**”5G Security is Key to EU Economy”…Some Member States Likely to Oppose**
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Shin Jae-woo reports that the European Union (EU) is reportedly working on a plan to mandate the gradual phasing out of Chinese telecom equipment firms Huawei and ZTE from members’ wireless and core communication networks.
Bloomberg News, citing sources, reported on the 10th (local time) that the European Commission is discussing converting their five-year-old recommendation to “stop using high-risk suppliers in networks” into legally binding regulations.
This initiative is led by Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s Executive Vice President for Technology Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. Virkkunen is reviewing measures to restrict the use of Chinese-made equipment in the advanced broadband networks and core 5G infrastructure that member countries are installing to expand access to high-speed internet.
Additionally, in relation to the EU’s foreign infrastructure investment program, “Global Gateway,” there is consideration to withhold funding from non-EU countries using Huawei equipment.
The EU previously classified Huawei and ZTE as “high-risk suppliers.” While decisions about telecom infrastructure fall under the authority of each member government, adoption of this plan would require member states to follow the Commission’s security guidelines.
Failure to comply could trigger the “infringement procedure,” a process activated when EU laws are not adhered to, potentially leading to financial penalties.
Amid strained trade and diplomatic relations with China, there have been strong concerns within the EU that allowing national critical infrastructures to fall under the influence of companies closely tied to the Chinese government threatens security.
Thomas Renier, an EU spokesperson, emphasized that “the security of 5G networks is a key element of the EU economy” and urged member states to swiftly implement risk mitigation measures.
However, attempts to legislate Huawei’s exclusion are likely to face strong opposition from various countries. While countries such as Sweden and the UK have banned the use of Chinese equipment for years, nations like Spain and Greece continue to use it.
Some member states are reluctant to transfer decision-making power regarding telecom infrastructure to the EU, and telecom operators are likely to oppose new measures, arguing that Huawei equipment is cheaper and performs better than Western products.