EU Plan Targets High‑Risk Tech Suppliers
- European Commission announces new cybersecurity measures.
- Includes phase-out of equipment from ‘high-risk’ suppliers.
- Proposed restrictions seen targeting Chinese tech.
EU Outlines New Cybersecurity Measures
The European Commission has introduced a draft proposal aimed at removing high‑risk technology suppliers from essential infrastructure. The initiative forms part of a broader update to the EU’s Cybersecurity Act, which responds to rising cyberattacks and concerns over foreign interference. Officials did not name specific companies, yet the move is widely seen as affecting Chinese vendors such as Huawei. Several European governments have already tightened oversight of Chinese technology, reflecting a shift toward more cautious digital policy.
Huawei criticised the draft legislation, arguing that restrictions based on country of origin violate core EU legal principles. The company said decisions should rely on technical standards and verifiable evidence rather than geopolitical considerations. Representatives added that Huawei would monitor the legislative process closely and defend its commercial interests where necessary. Similar objections have previously been raised by China’s foreign ministry, which has accused the EU of discriminatory practices.
Scope of the Planned Restrictions
The Commission’s proposal covers 18 critical sectors, including automated vehicles, electricity systems, water infrastructure, drones, and counter‑drone technologies. Additional areas such as cloud services, medical devices, surveillance tools, space‑related services, and semiconductor technologies are also classified as essential. Europe adopted a 5G security toolbox in 2020, but some countries have been slow to remove high‑risk equipment due to the financial burden. Under the new plan, mobile operators would have 36 months to replace key components once the high‑risk supplier list is published.
Further phase‑out timelines for fixed networks, submarine cables, and satellite systems will be announced later. EU officials argue that the measures will strengthen technological sovereignty and improve the resilience of supply chains. Any restrictions would follow a formal risk assessment initiated by the Commission or by at least three member states. Telecom industry group Connect Europe warned that the proposed rules could impose significant additional costs on operators.
The EU’s 5G security toolbox, introduced in 2020, was one of the first coordinated attempts by a major economic bloc to address national‑security risks in telecom networks. It encouraged member states to limit the involvement of high‑risk vendors without mandating outright bans. According to public analyses, the toolbox has since influenced similar policy frameworks in countries such as Japan, Australia, and Canada, highlighting its broader global impact.
