EU Will Not Name Huawei As A Threat To 5G Risks: Reuters


03/24/2019



While making a call for all of its members to share more information in relation to efforts at tackling cybersecurity risks for new 5G networks, the European Commission would however disregard calls by the United States to ban Huawei Technologies in a communication next week, according to a report published by Reuters, citing sources with information on the issue.
 
The recommendations would be presented before the EU members on Tuesday by European digital chief Andrus Ansip, the report claimed. And even though the recommendations would not have any legal binding on the European Union member countries, the guidance would certainly convey a strong political message and intention of the Commission and could also from the basis for future national legislation in the member countries of the EU.
 
Here has been increasing pressure from the United States on its European allies to ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from participating in the construction of 5G mobile networks in the countries over concerns of its equipment being used for espionage by Chinese authorities. Such allegations by the US, for which the Chinese firm has already been banned in the US, have been repeatedly and vehemently denied by Huawei. Earlier this month, the firm also filed a law suit against the US government over the ban. 
 
According to the Reuters report quoting sources, the EU member countries would be asked to make use of tools which are prescribed under the EU directive for security of network and information systems issues - or the NIS directives, which was adopted by the block in 2016 as well as the Cybersecurity Act which has been approved recently.
 
The sources said, for example, under those acts, it is advised that EU member states would share data and collaborate on impact assessment studies on security risks as well as on the certification for internet-connected devices and 5G equipment.
 
The Commission will also not say anything about banning of Huawei in Europe and would rather let the individual member countries decide what they want to do about the issue on the basis of their interpretation of their won national security.
 
“It is a recommendation to enhance exchanges on the security assessment of digital critical infrastructure,” one of the sources was quoted in the report as saying.
 
The Commission would however also emphasis creating of a common EU approach to the perceived security threats for 5G networks.
 
Following a policy of unfettered openness to Chinese investments in Europe, the Commission, the executive arm of the EU, will also recommend a tougher position and policy towards investments and takeovers from China. The country and its companies reportedly own about 70 per cent of the critical raw materials that are a must for manufacturing of high-tech goods in the world.
 
On Friday, French president Emmanuel Macron said that such measures would resemble a “European awakening” about potential Chinese dominance in Europe. The comment was made by Macron following a first of its kind meeting between EU leaders over the issue of its possible China policy.
 
Earlier this month, tougher criteria for all telecoms equipment vendors were set by Germany. The new measures did not single out Huawei and were a clear signal of ignoring of US pressure over the issue.
 
(Source:www.reuters.com)