Brussels:
The European Commission is considering a major move that could reshape Europe’s telecom landscape — a plan to ban Chinese telecom giants Huawei and ZTE from networks across the European Union.
According to a Bloomberg report, the Commission may soon push EU member states to phase out Huawei and ZTE equipment from both mobile and broadband infrastructure. This step mirrors the United States, where both companies are already banned and labeled as “national security threats.”
What the EU Is Planning
Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen is leading the initiative. Her team is exploring how to turn the EU’s 2020 guidelines — which advised countries to avoid “high-risk vendors” in 5G networks — into a binding legal rule.
Currently, telecom infrastructure decisions rest with individual national governments. If this proposal moves forward, EU states would have to comply with common security standards for telecom networks.
The plan may also include restrictions on using Chinese equipment in fixed-line broadband systems. Additionally, the Commission could withhold Global Gateway funding — a major EU investment program — from non-EU countries using Huawei gear in projects funded by EU grants.
Security and Political Concerns Drive the Debate
This move comes amid rising tensions between Europe and China. EU officials worry that Chinese telecom firms could pose security and espionage risks by having access to critical infrastructure.
The concerns are not new. The EU introduced its “5G Toolbox” in 2020 to guide member states on managing telecom security. It encouraged countries to limit high-risk vendors like Huawei, though the guidance was never mandatory.
Former Commissioner Thierry Breton previously urged EU institutions to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment entirely. However, many governments resisted, arguing that Brussels should not dictate national telecom policy.
Why the ‘Ban China’ Debate Has Returned
The debate over Chinese tech involvement has resurfaced as Germany and Finland consider tougher restrictions on Huawei and ZTE. Meanwhile, Spain and Greece continue to allow Huawei’s participation in their telecom networks.
This division within the EU reflects uneven attitudes toward China. While some countries prioritize national security, others focus on cost efficiency and network speed.
Why Some EU Members Oppose the Ban
Critics believe a full ban could increase telecom costs and delay 5G rollout. Huawei’s technology is affordable and widely used, especially in rural network expansion.
Telecom operators warn that replacing existing Huawei equipment would require massive investments and disrupt ongoing projects. Some analysts say the ban could also strain trade relations with Beijing at a time when Europe is trying to balance economic and security interests.
China’s Response to the EU’s Actions
China’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the EU’s stance, calling it politically driven and without legal or factual basis.
Beijing has consistently defended Huawei and ZTE, saying they operate independently and follow international security standards. The Chinese government has also warned of potential retaliation if the EU moves forward with a full ban.
The Road Ahead
The European Commission’s proposal faces several hurdles. Any binding rule would require broad agreement among member states, many of which rely on Huawei’s cost-effective technology.
Analysts believe the debate will continue through 2025 as Europe balances cybersecurity, cost, and geopolitical pressure from the United States.
If approved, the move could mark one of the toughest European actions against Chinese technology to date — but also risk widening divisions within the EU itself.