Brussels is to propose phasing out Chinese-made equipment from critical infrastructure in the EU, barring companies such as Huawei and ZTE from telecommunications networks, solar energy systems and security scanners, according to officials.
The move comes as the EU revamps its security and tech policy by rethinking its dependence on big US tech companies as well as Chinese “high-risk” suppliers, which some officials fear could be used to collect sensitive data. The US has long banned Huawei from its telecommunications networks.
The EU’s cyber security proposal, which will be presented on Tuesday, is expected to make an existing voluntary regime to restrict or exclude high-risk vendors from their networks mandatory for EU countries, the people said.