EU announces strict 5G guidelines amid security risks

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) - The European Commission released Wednesday its security recommendations for EU countries to introduce the fifth generation of mobile networks, called 5G.

The guidelines do not include a direct ban on Chinese technology group Huawei, however, it permits EU member states to ban or restrict 5G providers from their core telecom network in case they present a proven high-security risk.

The non-compulsory guidelines include telecoms and cybersecurity rules, a framework for foreign direct investment screening, trade defense instruments and coordination on an EU-wide security certification system.

Member states are called to adopt the key measures by April 30.

“5G will be a ground-breaking technology but it cannot come at the expense of the security of our internal market”, Margaritis Schinas, EU's vice-president for promoting our European way of life, said in a statement.

The new communications network represents a great potential for economic growth, but the new generation of mobile networks become more vulnerable to sophisticated and frequent cybersecurity attacks due to some features of the new technology.

The U.S. considers Chinese technology companies, including the 5G vendor Huawei, as a potential threat to cybersecurity, however, EU officials have not had such a statement.

Some €1 billion ($1,1 billion), including €300 million ($330 billion) EU funding, has been spent so far in Europe to launch 5G services.

By the end of the year, the EU expects 5G services to be available in 138 European cities. 5G is considered a crucial part of the digital economy that might generate €225 billion ($248 billion) in revenues by 2025 worldwide.