Brussels wants to ban Huawei and ZTE from telecom networks

"This was reported by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, who is responsible for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy within the European Commission, wants to turn the 2020 recommendation to avoid suppliers with high security risks into a legally binding obligation. This would require member states to follow the Commission's security guidelines. Those who fail to do so could face infringement proceedings and financial penalties."

"Although decisions on infrastructure formally lie with national governments, concern is growing in Brussels about dependence on Chinese suppliers in critical networks. The Commission is also exploring ways to limit the use of Chinese equipment in fixed networks, while countries are trying to accelerate the deployment of fiber-optic infrastructure. In addition, it is considering refusing funding through the Global Gateway program to third countries that use Huawei technology in EU-supported projects."

"The debate about Huawei is flaring up again in several European countries. Germany and Finland are considering stricter rules, while Spain and Greece continue to allow Chinese suppliers. Countries such as the United Kingdom and Sweden have already banned them completely. Any obligation from Brussels is likely to provoke political resistance, as member states traditionally decide on their own national infrastructure."

The European Commission is investigating ways to oblige member states to gradually remove Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp. from telecommunications networks by turning the 2020 recommendation into a legally binding obligation. Member states would have to follow Commission security guidelines and could face infringement proceedings and financial penalties for noncompliance. Brussels is increasingly concerned about dependence on Chinese suppliers in critical networks and is exploring limits on Chinese equipment in fixed networks while promoting accelerated fiber-optic deployment. The Commission is also considering refusing Global Gateway funding to third countries using Huawei in EU-supported projects. National decisions, political resistance, and telecom industry concerns complicate implementation.

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