The European Commission is increasing its efforts to strengthen the security of Europe’s telecommunications networks. It is urging member states to phase out equipment from vendors such as the Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G and next-generation networks.
The Commission had previously recommended in 2020 that member nations stop using technology from high-risk vendors like Huawei and ZTE. Now, the Commission’s vice president, Henna Virkkunen, is pushing to turn that recommendation into formal regulation.
Virkkunen’s proposal could push EU countries to follow the security guidance more closely. If the recommendations become legally binding, member states that ignore the rules might face infringement procedures and potential financial penalties. Virkkunen is also looking at limiting Chinese vendors’ involvement in fiber network projects amid a push for faster broadband rollout.
Huawei and ZTE did not respond to requests for comment.
This move is part of a broader effort to limit China’s influence in key infrastructure as the EU’s relationship with the world’s second-largest economy becomes more strained. Last year, Germany’s top security official stated that, starting in 2026, the country would prohibit the use of key components from Chinese firms ZTE and Huawei. Additionally, Finland reportedly plans to broaden the scope of its ban on the use of Huawei components in 5G networks.
In recent years, the United States has persuaded European allies like the United Kingdom and Sweden to restrict or ban Huawei gear. This action is driven by concerns that Beijing could exploit the equipment for cyber-espionage or to disrupt critical communications.