Overview
- Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen is exploring a proposal to require member states to phase out Chinese telecom gear, according to people familiar with the talks.
- Options under study include infringement procedures, financial penalties for noncompliance, and extending restrictions to fixed-line broadband equipment.
- The Commission is also weighing use of Global Gateway funding as leverage by withholding grants from non‑EU projects that include Huawei equipment, the reports say.
- A Commission spokesperson emphasized the importance of 5G network security but declined to confirm any impending ban or final decision.
- National positions remain split, with Germany and Finland reviewing tighter curbs while Spain and Greece still allow Huawei, as European vendors’ shares rose on the report.