European Commission Advises EU Countries to Remove Huawei and ZTE Equipment from Telecom Networks

• May 5, 2026

The European Commission has issued a recommendation urging member states within the European Union to remove telecom equipment supplied by Huawei and ZTE from their local operator networks. This move is part of new cybersecurity regulations aimed at strengthening the security of critical communication infrastructure across the bloc.

New Cybersecurity Measures Target High-Risk Suppliers

According to a spokesperson from the European Commission, the updated rules grant the EU the authority to prohibit the use of hardware and software sourced from what it classifies as “high-risk suppliers.” Huawei and ZTE, two major players in the global telecommunications equipment market, have been specifically singled out due to concerns regarding potential security vulnerabilities and risks linked to their devices.

This recommendation reflects ongoing efforts by the European Union to protect its digital and communications infrastructure from risks associated with foreign technology vendors. It emphasizes the need for member countries to reassess the equipment currently used by local telecom operators and to take steps toward phasing out technologies considered to pose elevated security threats.

While the commission has not provided detailed timelines or enforcement mechanisms for this transition, the advisory signals a decisive shift in the EU’s approach to managing network security and supply chain integrity. Limiting reliance on suppliers identified as high risk is part of a broader strategy to safeguard critical communication systems against espionage, sabotage, or other cybersecurity incidents.

Huawei and ZTE have played significant roles in enabling telecom providers worldwide to deploy next-generation networks, including 5G infrastructure. However, concerns have persisted in several regions about potential backdoors, state influence, or vulnerability exploitation associated with equipment from these companies. The European Commission’s recommendation is expected to accelerate initiatives within the EU to diversify technology sources and enhance transparency in network procurement.

Member states are now tasked with evaluating existing agreements and hardware deployments involving these suppliers and making plans to replace or mitigate associated risks. The cybersecurity framework introduced by the commission also aims to facilitate collaboration among European countries to collectively monitor and address technology-related threats.

The recommendation by the European Commission marks a notable development in the ongoing global scrutiny of telecommunications supply chains. It underscores the increasing priority placed on security and resilience amid emerging geopolitical and technological challenges shaping the future of digital infrastructure worldwide.

The European Commission recommends EU member states exclude Huawei and ZTE gear from telecom infrastructure over cybersecurity concerns.