EU to drop threat of Huawei ban - sources

The European Commission will ignore U.S. calls to ban Huawei Technologies, but will next week urge EU countries to share more data to tackle cybersecurity risks related to 5G networks, four people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

European digital chief Andrus Ansip will present the recommendation on Tuesday. While the guidance does not have legal force, it will carry political weight which can eventually lead to national legislation in European Union countries.

The Commission will not call for a European ban on global market leader Huawei, leaving it to EU countries to decide.

The United States has lobbied Europe to shut out Huawei, saying its equipment could be used by the Chinese government for espionage. Huawei has strongly rejected the allegations and earlier this monthsued the U.S. government over the issue.

European Union flags outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium./Reuters Photo

Ansip will tell EU countries to use tools set out under the EU directive on security of network and information systems, or NIS directive, adopted in 2016 and the recently approved Cybersecurity Act, the people said.

For example, member states should exchange information and coordinate on impact assessment studies on security risks and on certification for internet-connected devices and 5G equipment.

“It is a recommendation to enhance exchanges on the security assessment of digital critical infrastructure,” one of the sources said.

The Commission said the recommendation would stress a common EU approach to security risks to 5G networks.

Germany this month set tougher criteria for all telecoms equipment vendors, without singling out Huawei and ignoring U.S. pressure.

Big telecoms operators oppose a Huawei ban, saying such a move could set back 5G deployment in the bloc by years.

The industry sees 5G as the next money spinner, with its promise to link up everything from vehicles to household devices.

(CGTN)