EU Proposes Mandatory Curbs On Chinese Vendors In Telecom, Energy Sectors: Report
The European Union is set to propose a binding law that would compel its 27 member states to curb Chinese telecom and energy equipment vendors, including Huawei, from their core infrastructure, marking a major policy shift.
Key Takeaways
- The EU will propose a law requiring member states to assess and ban high-risk Chinese vendors from 5G networks.
- The mandate extends to critical sectors like energy, transport, and water utilities.
- This moves the bloc from voluntary guidelines to binding rules, aligning it closer with the US stance.
- The proposal is expected to face resistance from some EU countries and China.
From Recommendations to Binding Rules
According to a Financial Times report, the proposed law would make it mandatory for countries to assess the risk of Chinese vendors in their 5G networks and ban those deemed high-risk. Until now, the EU has only provided a “toolbox” of recommendations, leading to an uneven response across the bloc.
The legislation would specifically require member states to exclude Chinese equipment from their core mobile networks, which manage sensitive data and critical functions.
Expanding to Critical Infrastructure
The scope of the proposed law is broad, extending to other vital sectors like energy, transport, and water utilities. This reflects growing security concerns in Europe about Chinese technology, amplified by fears of cyber attacks and espionage following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Huawei has consistently denied that its equipment poses any security threat.
A Strategic Shift and Potential Pushback
The European Commission is expected to present the proposal next week. If adopted, it would signify a substantial shift in the EU’s China policy, moving from soft guidelines to hard rules and aligning more closely with the United States, which has long banned Huawei.
However, the law will likely encounter resistance. Some EU nations, such as Germany, have been hesitant to impose a full ban on Huawei, citing economic and practical reasons. China itself is also expected to oppose the move strongly.
