The European Union Ensures Huawei And ZTE Bans On 5G Networks For Security Reasons

EU industry chief Thierry Breton, (photo: twitter @ThierryBreton)

JAKARTA - The decision of several EU member countries to ban Huawei and ZTE production devices from their 5G telecommunications networks is justified and in accordance with the bloc's guidelines. This was confirmed by EU industry chief Thierry Breton, on Thursday, June 15.

In recent weeks, Breton has raised concerns that some EU member states still have high-risk components in their 5G core network, referring to a third-state law that disrupts national intelligence security and data - an implied reference to China.

#5G security matters.As of today, the EU Commission will not procure connectivity services that rely on equipment from #Huawei and #ZTE. https://t.co/3Y7MUZZrZ9 pic.twitter.com/JkFAas2Vao

— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) June 15, 2023

#5G security matters.As of today, the EU Commission will not procure connectivity services that rely on equipment from #Huawei and #ZTE. https://t.co/3Y7MUZZrZ9 pic.twitter.com/JkFAas2Vao

He has encouraged them to comply with EU guidelines adopted two years ago that prompted member states to assess supplier risk profiles nationwide or at the EU level, and limit or ban high-risk 5G suppliers from the core parts of their telecommunications networks.

"The Commission has just published communications confirming that the decisions made by some member states to limit or completely exclude Huawei and ZTE from their 5G networks are justified and in accordance with the toolbox," Breton told a news conference.

He did not name the countries. But Breton says only 10 out of 27 EU member states have restricted or blocked high-risk suppliers.

"It's too slow, and it poses a huge security risk and expresses a serious vulnerability to the collective security of this Union, as it creates a huge dependence on the EU and its serious vulnerability," he said.

Huawei, ZTE, and Beijing firmly reject Western accusations that their company's equipment could be used for espionage.