The European Commission’s draft Cybersecurity Regulation will bar Huawei and ZTE from all future 5G and 6G network deployments and from supplying equipment in critical sectors such as solar energy. Classified as “high‑risk” suppliers, the Chinese firms will be placed on a non‑trusted list, forcing EU members to source hardware only from approved vendors.
What the EU Cybersecurity Regulation Proposes
The draft regulation designates any network equipment or related services provided by Huawei or ZTE as “high‑risk” and prohibits their use in 5G and upcoming 6G roll‑outs across all member states. The same restriction extends to other essential infrastructures, including renewable‑energy installations, where the two companies have previously supplied components. The measure is presented as a safeguard against potential sabotage and espionage.
Member‑State Reactions and Implementation Concerns
Several EU governments have voiced concerns about the economic and technical impact of an abrupt exclusion, especially where existing contracts with Huawei or ZTE remain active. Negotiations will be needed to define realistic transition timelines and possible compensation mechanisms.
National resistance and timeline challenges
Countries with significant existing deployments fear service disruptions and increased costs. The Commission acknowledges this resistance and plans to work with national authorities to balance security objectives with operational realities.
Legal and Regulatory Context
The new Cybersecurity Regulation builds on the EU’s earlier cybersecurity framework, expanding it with a formal “trust list” for approved suppliers and a “non‑trust list” that bars high‑risk vendors from public procurement and critical‑service contracts. This unified legal instrument replaces fragmented national measures and creates a consistent security standard across the bloc.
Impact on the European Telecom Market
If adopted, the ban will reshape the telecom supply chain. Operators will need to replace Huawei and ZTE hardware with alternatives from vendors such as Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung. While this could accelerate 5G roll‑outs in regions currently stalled, it may also raise capital expenditures for network upgrades.
Supply‑chain shift to trusted vendors
By mandating “trusted‑supplier” status, the EU aims to foster a competitive market among vetted manufacturers, encouraging innovation and reducing reliance on a single foreign source.
Strategic Implications Beyond Telecom
The inclusion of solar‑energy providers in the ban widens the EU’s security calculus to the digital‑energy nexus. Restricting Huawei and ZTE from solar‑farm components helps close potential attack vectors that could affect power grids and energy storage systems, reinforcing the bloc’s technology sovereignty goals.
Huawei’s Consumer Product Launch Amid Regulation
Despite regulatory pressure, Huawei recently introduced the MatePad 11.5 S 2026 tablet. The device features a paper‑matte display to reduce glare and supports an optional keyboard and stylus, positioning it as a versatile tool for both work and entertainment. The launch highlights Huawei’s continued focus on the consumer market while navigating heightened geopolitical scrutiny.
Next Steps for the EU Ban
The draft regulation will now be debated in the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Stakeholders are expected to lobby for amendments addressing cost mitigation, transition timelines, and the precise definition of “non‑trusted” suppliers. A final adoption could set a precedent for coordinated, bloc‑wide technology security policies worldwide.
