In a bid to bolster the security of 5G networks, the European Commission is pushing for a ban on Huawei and ZTE mobile networking equipment across all EU member states. This move follows calls from VP Henna Virkkunen for stricter enforcement of the Commission's 2020 toolbox for 5G security, urging member states to refrain from using high-risk vendors in their mobile networks.
The importance of securing our 5G networks cannot be overstated, as it is vital for our economy. The Commission is calling on member states to swiftly implement the 5G Toolbox and take necessary measures to mitigate risks. Failing to act promptly poses a significant risk to the EU as a whole. - Thomas Regnier, EU Commission spokesperson
While currently, each EU member state has autonomy over their telecom infrastructure decisions, a new directive from the Commission could soon impose a ban on Chinese 5G networking equipment from vendors like Huawei and ZTE across the entire bloc.
Some countries such as Germany, Finland, and Sweden have already taken steps to comply with the restrictions on Chinese network equipment, while others like Spain and Greece still permit the use of Huawei and ZTE equipment in their networks.
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