The European Commission has advised EU member states to exclude equipment from Huawei and ZTE from their telecom networks. While not legally binding, the recommendation marks a significant shift in the EU's approach to Chinese networking gear. An EC spokesperson confirmed this position as part of broader cybersecurity efforts targeting supply chain security.

The EU is implementing new cybersecurity legislation, including the Revised Cybersecurity Act (CSA 2.0), which will establish a framework to identify high-risk suppliers and foreign interference in critical sectors like telecommunications. Several member states have already restricted Chinese telecom equipment on national security grounds. This coordinated recommendation could accelerate similar actions across the continent.

Chinese officials have warned of potential counteractions, calling the EU's policies toward Chinese networking equipment vendors discriminatory and detrimental to EU-China trade and cooperation.