THE European Commission is set to urge EU countries this week to share more data to tackle cybersecurity risks related to 5G networks but will ignore U.S. calls to ban Huawei Technologies, Reuters reported Friday, quoting four sources familiar with the matter. European digital chief Andrus Ansip will present the recommendation tomorrow. While the guidance does not have legal force, it will carry political weight which can eventually lead to national legislation in European Union (EU) countries. The United States has lobbied Europe to shut out Huawei, alleging that its equipment could pose security risks. Huawei has strongly rejected the allegations and earlier this month sued the U.S. Government over the issue. Ansip will tell EU countries to use tools set out under the EU directive on security of network and information systems, or NIS directive, adopted in 2016 and the recently approved Cybersecurity Act, the sources said. For example, member states should exchange information and coordinate on impact assessment studies on security risks and on certification for Internet-connected devices and 5G equipment. The commission will not call for a European ban on global market leader Huawei, leaving it to EU countries to decide on national security grounds. “It is a recommendation to enhance exchanges on the security assessment of digital critical infrastructure,” one of the sources said. The commission said the recommendation would stress a common EU approach to security risks to 5G networks. Germany this month set tougher criteria for all telecom equipment vendors, without singling out Huawei and ignoring U.S. pressure. Big telecom operators oppose a Huawei ban, saying such a move could set back 5G deployment in the bloc by years. (SD-Agencies) |