EU plans rule to remove Huawei, ZTE from telecom networks
- ByStartupStory | November 11, 2025
The European Commission is planning to introduce a rule that would require all European Union member states to phase out telecom equipment from Chinese companies Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corporation. This move aims to convert the EU’s current non-binding 2020 recommendation, which advised countries to avoid “high-risk vendors” in their 5G and telecom networks, into a legally binding regulation.
Henna Virkkunen, Vice President of the European Commission overseeing technology sovereignty and security, is championing the initiative to impose uniform security standards on telecom infrastructure across the EU. If enacted, member states would be compelled to remove and cease using Huawei and ZTE equipment in building ultra-high-speed internet and 5G core network infrastructure.
The new regulation would not only mandate the phaseout but also include enforcement mechanisms whereby non-compliance could lead to infringement procedures and financial penalties for the member states involved. Additionally, the Commission is considering withholding funds from its Global Gateway infrastructure investment program for projects involving Huawei gear in non-EU countries.
This proposal comes amid heightened security concerns in Brussels about the potential for Chinese telecom suppliers, seen as closely linked to the Beijing government, to engage in espionage or disrupt critical communications infrastructures. While some EU countries like Sweden and the United Kingdom have banned Huawei’s equipment years ago, others—such as Spain and Greece—still allow its use, illustrating divisions within the bloc.
Telecom operators have expressed concerns that banning Huawei could increase costs and delay network rollouts due to Huawei’s competitive pricing and technological offerings. National governments have also been reluctant to cede full control over infrastructure decisions to the EU, leading to a patchwork approach until now.
The European Commission’s push reflects a broader geopolitical context of deteriorating Europe-China relations and echoes similar actions by the United States, which has also labeled Huawei a national security threat and implemented bans on its technology.
In summary, the EU’s planned binding rule to remove Huawei and ZTE from European telecom networks marks a significant escalation in efforts to secure the continent’s digital infrastructure from perceived foreign threats. The forthcoming regulation would unify security standards across member states and enforce compliance to safeguard key communications systems.
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