The EU is preparing a cybersecurity proposal to make mandatory the phase‑out of Chinese‑made equipment from critical infrastructure, the Financial Times reports. The plan would specifically target vendors such as Huawei and ZTE and move current voluntary rules to a binding framework for member states. Timelines will be sector specific and weigh risk, cost and alternative supplier availability; the Commission is expected to unveil the proposal on Tuesday. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
EU Plans Mandatory Phase‑Out Of Chinese-Made Equipment From Critical Infrastructure, Targets Huawei And ZTE
FILE PHOTO: European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels
Jan 17 (Reuters) - The European Union is preparing a cybersecurity proposal that would compel member states to phase out Chinese‑manufactured equipment from critical infrastructure, the Financial Times reported, citing unnamed officials.
What the proposal would do
The measures would bar high‑risk vendors such as Huawei and ZTE from participating in key sectors including telecommunications networks and solar energy systems, shifting current voluntary restrictions into a mandatory framework for EU countries.
Timing and scope
The European Commission is expected to present the proposal on Tuesday. Officials told the Financial Times that implementation timetables would vary by sector and be calibrated to the level of risk, the costs of replacement and the availability of alternative suppliers.
Industry and political context
Some telecom operators in large markets — notably Spain and Germany — have previously resisted similar restrictions. The move follows growing international pressure: the United States banned approvals for new Huawei and ZTE telecommunications equipment in 2022 and has urged allies to limit reliance on those vendors.
Recent developments involving Huawei
The FT also noted that Huawei is reviewing the future of a recently completed factory in eastern France, a situation Reuters reported on in December amid tougher stances from some governments and a slow 5G rollout across parts of Europe.
Reuters was not immediately able to verify the Financial Times report. The European Commission, China's commerce ministry, Huawei and ZTE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
(Reporting by Abu Sultan in Bengaluru; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
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