EU nations divided over regulation of high-risk 5G telecom suppliers
The division among the 27 EU member states underscores varied approaches and levels of concern pertaining to national security, economic interests, and diplomatic relations.
The EU is facing a significant divide among its member states regarding the regulation of high-risk telecom suppliers, particularly Huawei and ZTE, in the context of 5G network infrastructure. Eleven of the 27 EU countries have enacted legal measures to restrict these suppliers following the European Commission’s adoption of the 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox in 2020.
The following divide reflects varying levels of concern about national security, economic interests, and diplomatic relations. Scepticism surrounding Huawei and ZTE intensified in 2018 when numerous countries, including the US and Japan, began excluding these companies from public tenders due to allegations of espionage and their ties to the Chinese government.
Sweden was among the first EU nations to ban Huawei, mandating the removal of its equipment from 5G networks by 1 January 2025. Despite Huawei’s denials of wrongdoing, distrust persists within the EU. Responses to these security concerns vary significantly. Germany has announced that components from Huawei and ZTE must be removed from its 5G core networks by the end of 2026, aligning with its National Security Strategy.
In contrast, Italy has taken a more cautious approach, evaluating cases involving Huawei individually. Despite signing a 5G security declaration with the US, Slovenia rejected a bill to exclude high-risk manufacturers, indicating a more lenient stance.
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