These Are European Countries Prohibiting Huawei And ZTE Equipment In The 5G Network

Several countries in Europe have taken firm steps to limit or ban the use of equipment made by Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE, in their 5G networks. The decision is based on a number of reasons, including concerns regarding cybersecurity, relations with the Chinese government, and national security considerations.

Germany is the latest European country to propose restrictions or bans on the use of Chinese-made equipment, such as Huawei and ZTE, for security reasons. Here are some countries that have introduced restrictions to date:

United Kingdom: In 2020, the United Kingdom decided to ban Huawei and other vendors deemed at high risk in the 5G network. Last year, they extended the deadline for removing Huawei equipment until the end of 2023.

Estonia: Estonian Parliament in 2021 approved a new, effective legislation banning telecommunications operators from choosing Chinese vendors for telecommunications equipment.

Denmark: In 2021, Danish lawmakers passed a law that allows foreign investment checks to ensure there is no threat to national security. The new law was developed partly due to security concerns over Huawei's offering to build Denmark's 5G network.

France: In 2020, French authorities informed telecommunications operators planning to purchase Huawei's 5G equipment that they would not be able to renew the equipment license once its validity ended, effectively replacing Huawei from mobile networks.

Germany: On September 20, 2023, the German Ministry of Home Affairs proposed that telecommunication operators remove all critical components made by Huawei and ZTE in their 5G core network by 2026.

Italy has not directly banned Huawei equipment, but they prevented the Fastweb telecommunications group in 2020 from signing a deal with Huawei in supplying equipment for their 5G network.

Latvia: In 2020, Latvia and the United States signed a deal on 5G security aimed at limiting operations of Chinese companies.

Lithuania: Lithuanian Parliament in 2021 states that only equipment approved by the government on the basis of national security can be used in the country's next generation 5G network.

Portugal: Portugal's telecommunications watchdog on September 18, 2023 announced that it is working with operators to implement effective high-level resolutions to ban Huawei equipment in the country's 5G mobile network.

Romania: The Romanian government in 2021 approved a draft US-backed law that effectively prohibits China and Huawei from participating in the country's 5G network development.

Sweden: Sweden in 2020 banned telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE in their 5G network. In June, the appeals court maintained the ban.