EU to member states: Don’t use Huawei, ZTE equipments for telecom infrastructure

The European Union is calling on member states to avoid telecoms equipment from Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the recommendation is part of a broader effort by the bloc to strengthen cybersecurity in key communication networks. The recommendation, confirmed by a European Commission spokesperson, reflects growing concerns about the potential risks posed by suppliers deemed “high-risk,” as reported by Reuters.Under proposed rules, the EU would have expanded powers to restrict or ban equipment from companies flagged as security risks within telecom infrastructure. The spokesperson told Reuters that the framework would allow the bloc to block such equipment from entering the European market if necessary.The move comes as European countries continue to expand next-generation connectivity systems, where network security is seen as a key priority. While the recommendation does not amount to an immediate ban across all member states, it signals the direction Brussels expects governments and telecom operators to follow.The proposal has prompted a response from China, which has warned of potential countermeasures if the rules are implemented. Beijing has called the measures “discriminatory” and expressed concern about their impact on Chinese companies operating in European markets.At the moment, the EU’s stance is a recommendation, not a compulsory requirement, but it does indicate a shift towards closer scrutiny of telecom infrastructure suppliers as part of the bloc’s overall cybersecurity strategy.Apart from Europe, both Huawei and ZTE are banned in America, while the US government calls Huawei a 'national security threat'.Last year, the European Commission reportedly said that it is considering turning its 2020 guidance on avoiding “high-risk vendors” into a binding rule, potentially requiring member states to comply. Officials are also examining restrictions on Chinese equipment in broadband networks and may limit Global Gateway funding for projects that use Huawei. Efforts led by Henna Virkkunen and Thierry Breton reflect concerns over security risks. However, EU countries remain divided, with some allowing Huawei to play a role. China has criticised the “high-risk” label, calling it politically motivated.