Member states of the European Union (EU) has decided to defy the United States warning of acquiring Huawei equipment to develop 5G technology in the region. The member states, however, are set at implementing a concerted approach in improving the security of 5G technology as a precaution against allegations directed at Huawei. The implementation was said to be limited that indicated EU recognizes the risk, but considers Huawei as a necessity to improve technology in the regions.
The European Commission has endorsed the joint toolbox of risk-mitigating measures providing cybersecurity to 5G networks. It would guide the EU members at the national and Union level if they would implement 5G networks in the region after the US alleged that Huawei, the provider of 5G equipment, poses as a security risk to nations.
According to a recent report published in Channel News Asia, the US has welcomed the acceptance of the EU of Huawei 5g technology services, but pushes the Commission to impose stricter limitations on the company.
It was further discussed that Huawei is among the companies that are capable of developing 5G networks and that their services offer a competitive price. Thus, it has been widely viewed as the company that provides an advanced option for incurring super-fast data transfers such as those used by selling self-driving cars.
The risk assessment of the EU was imposed last Thursday. The Commission launched the toolbox as relevant measures that would limit Huawei's access to EU networks and would be effective by April 30, 2020.
According to the executive vice president for Europe Fit for the Digital Age Margareth Vestager, the EU can greatly benefit from adopting 5G technology that supports personalized medicines, energy grids, and precision agriculture. She claimed that the technology could also aid Europe in establishing renewable energy. The vice president for Promoting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas further claimed during the Commission meeting that a genuine Security Union would protect European citizens, establishments, and critical infrastructures from threats.
It was discussed that 5G network security is a significant part of the EU market and that member states should uphold its technological sovereignty. Thus, the Commission claimed the toolbox is an indispensable part of the acquisition of Huawei services and that it would ensure the citizens that the benefits of the technology may be offered securely. The same move was referred to as compliance to the US's warning to uphold the trade ties between the countries.
In other news, Aljazeera reported that the US warned the UK last Wednesday through Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the EU's acquisition of Huawei's services.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson disagreed with the US's sentiments. He claimed that allowing the Chinese tech giant into its economy but with limited involvement would not pose a security risk to the nations' allegiance.
A spokesman claimed that the US and the UK discussed the former's proposal for peace between Palestinians and Israelis, the Iran and Yemen conflict, and the desire of the US to de-escalate regional tensions in Europe.
Despite US allegations against Huawei, the Chinese tech giant has denied all claims and there has been no concrete evidence shown to back the allegations.
