The European Commission is stepping up efforts to increase the security of Europe’s telecommunications networks by urging member states to phase out equipment from vendors like Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from their 5G and next-generation networks, according to Bloomberg. informedCiting unknown sources.
Bloomberg reported that the EC recommended in 2020 that member states stop using technology from “high-risk” vendors like Huawei and ZTE and now its vice president, Hanna Virkkunen, is pushing to turn that recommendation into a regulation.
Virkkunen’s proposal could prompt EU countries to follow the Commission’s safety guidance more closely. The report said that if the recommendations become legally binding, member states that ignore the rules could face infringement procedures and even financial penalties. Virkkunen is considering limiting the participation of Chinese vendors in fiber network projects amid pressure for faster broadband rollouts.
Huawei and ZTE did not respond to requests for comment.
The move comes amid a broader effort to limit China’s influence in key infrastructure as the EU sours relations with the world’s second-largest economy. last year, Germany’s top security official said That, starting in 2026, the country will ban the use of key components from Chinese companies ZTE and Huawei. Other than this, Finland is reportedly planning to expand the scope of its ban On the use of Huawei components in 5G networks.
In recent years, the US has persuaded European allies such as UK And sweden Banning or restricting Huawei gear due to concerns that Beijing could exploit it for cyber-espionage or intercept critical communications.
