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EU Moves to Mandate Removal of Chinese Tech from Critical Infrastructure

The European Union is preparing to propose mandatory restrictions on Chinese-made equipment in critical infrastructure, including telecom networks and solar energy systems. This would replace the current voluntary framework and require member states to phase out gear from vendors like Huawei and ZTE. The move faces resistance from some telecom operators in major markets like Germany and Spain due to cost and reliance concerns. If implemented, it would mark a significant shift in EU cybersecurity policy and reshape supply chains.

Key Points: EU Proposes Mandatory Ban on Chinese Telecom, Energy Gear

  • Mandatory phase-out from critical infrastructure
  • Targets telecom and solar energy sectors
  • Impacts Huawei and ZTE
  • Replaces voluntary framework
  • Considers cost and risk factors
2 min read

EU proposes mandatory curbs on Chinese vendors in telecom, energy sectors: Report

EU to propose compulsory phase-out of Chinese equipment like Huawei from telecom and solar energy sectors, marking a major cybersecurity policy shift.

"The bloc's upcoming cybersecurity proposal is expected to make these restrictions compulsory for all member states. - Financial Times report"

New Delhi, Jan 19

The European Union is preparing to tighten its stance on Chinese-made equipment by pushing for a mandatory phase-out from critical infrastructure, including telecom networks and solar energy systems, a report has said.

The move could directly impact Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE, which are currently used by several European telecom operators, according to a report by the Financial Times.

At present, the EU has a voluntary framework in place to restrict so-called high-risk vendors, but the bloc's upcoming cybersecurity proposal is expected to make these restrictions compulsory for all member states.

The report said the new proposal is likely to be presented on Tuesday. Once approved, EU countries would be required to remove Chinese equipment from sensitive infrastructure over time.

However, the timeline for the phase-out would vary depending on the level of risk posed to the EU and the specific sector involved.

Factors such as the cost of replacing equipment and the availability of alternative suppliers would also be taken into account, the report said.

Some telecom companies in large European markets like Spain and Germany have earlier resisted implementing strict curbs on Chinese vendors, mainly due to cost concerns and reliance on existing infrastructure.

The proposed changes could force these companies to accelerate their transition to non-Chinese suppliers.

However, there were no official statement on it while writing the news article. The European Commission, China's commerce ministry, Huawei, and ZTE also did not respond yet.

If implemented, the EU's proposal would mark a significant shift in Europe's approach to cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, potentially reshaping the region's telecom and renewable energy supply chains in the coming years.

Meanwhile, in another report, Financial Times said that the European Union is considering hitting Washington with 93 billion euros ($107.68 billion) worth of tariffs or restricting American companies from the bloc's market, in response to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good step by EU. Security should come first, even if it costs more. Hope Indian companies like Tejas Networks can grab this opportunity and become global suppliers. We need self-reliance in critical tech.
R
Rohit P
The cost factor is real. European telcos are worried, and so would we be if asked to replace everything overnight. A phased approach makes sense. But ultimately, creating alternative supply chains is crucial for global stability.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the geopolitical shift. It's not just about security, it's about economic decoupling. The 93 billion euro tariff threat against the US in the same report shows how trade wars are escalating everywhere.
V
Vikram M
While I agree with reducing dependency, I hope this doesn't become a blanket "anti-China" policy. We should judge technology on its merit and security audits, not just the country of origin. Let's be strategic, not just reactive.
K
Karthik V
Solar energy systems too? That's a huge market. This could really accelerate innovation in Europe and India for green tech. Aatmanirbhar Bharat in solar manufacturing is the need of the hour!

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