Huawei and protectionism

Question for written answer  E-001972/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Markus Buchheit (ID)

EU Member States are taking differing approaches to the 5G technology offered by the Chinese manufacturer Huawei. While some Member States are unconcerned about Huawei, others are barring the firm from competing for 5G network expansion business in order to prevent Chinese spying.

• 1.If certain Member States continue to insist on using Huawei technologies, how does the Commission envision future security cooperation regarding data exchange with countries that refuse to work with Huawei?
• 2.China has threatened to retaliate against countries that do not want to use Huawei technologies and devices in their 5G networks. How does the Commission intend to protect Member States that reject Huawei technologies from Chinese sanctions?
• 3.There are competitive suppliers and operators for 5G networks within the EU, such as Nokia and Ericsson. What industrial policy and public procurement measures does the Commission intend to take to support EU high-tech enterprises in connection with 5G expansion and to protect them from highly subsidised competitors from third countries?