EU to Propose Tougher Rules for Huawei and ZTE

The EU is set to unveil a cybersecurity proposal to ban equipment made by Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE from critical infrastructure. The ban would cover telecoms networks, solar energy systems, and security scanners, as part of a wide security revamp.

The proposal is set to be unveiled today, according to media reports, and comes as the EU aims to reduce its dependence on big US technology companies and so-called high-risk Chinese suppliers. While some countries have already banned the use of Chinese-made kit from critical infrastructure, several EU countries continue to use Huawei and ZTE.

In 2025, Spain awarded Huawei a €12 million contract, although the European Commission cautioned the country against the move. The EC has consistently told operators across the EU to restrict high-risk suppliers and called for a halt to the installation of new equipment. The EU would mandate that nations restrict or exclude high-risk vendors from networks.

“Fragmented national solutions have proven insufficient to achieve market-wide trust and coordination,” according to a draft of the proposed cybersecurity plans. After the proposal is presented, a draft of the law will be negotiated with the European Parliament and member states. In 2025, Nokia urged the EU to ban so-called high-risk vendors.