Huawei Critiques EU's Initiative to Eliminate High-Risk Technologies

The European Union is taking steps to eliminate technology from suppliers categorized as high-risk in key sectors, a strategy that has incited significant criticism from Huawei, a Chinese telecommunications giant anticipated to be impacted by this decision.

This initiative, detailed in a draft revision of the EU Cybersecurity Act released by the European Commission, arises amidst increasing cyber and ransomware threats, along with heightened anxiety regarding foreign meddling, espionage, and the reliance of Europe on technology vendors outside the EU.

Although the Commission has refrained from naming specific companies or nations, the scrutiny surrounding Chinese tech firms has grown more intense throughout Europe. Recently, Germany has prohibited Chinese components from future 6G telecom networks, and the United States has halted new endorsements for telecom equipment from Huawei and ZTE, urging European allies to adopt similar measures.

China’s foreign ministry has condemned the EU’s tactics, branding it as a form of protectionism. Huawei has shared these concerns as well, contending that restricting suppliers based on their nation of origin rather than on technical criteria infringes upon EU legal standards and World Trade Organization regulations.

EU representatives, however, assert that these measures will enhance cybersecurity and promote technological sovereignty. The proposed regulations would encompass 18 critical sectors, such as telecom infrastructure, energy systems, water supply, transportation technologies, cloud services, medical devices, space services, and semiconductors.

Under this framework, mobile network operators will have three years to eliminate essential components provided by high-risk vendors once an official list is released. Deadlines for networks including fixed lines, fibre optics, submarine cables, and satellite connections will be established subsequently.

The industry group Connect Europe has cautioned that these proposals could impose tens of billions of euros in additional expenses on telecom providers. The amended Cybersecurity Act still requires negotiation with EU member states and the European Parliament prior to becoming law.