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The incoming European commissioner for technological sovereignty, security and democracy is unhappy with how far national governments have excluded so-called high-risk telecoms infrastructure companies – China’s Huawei and ZTE – from critical infrastructure, Henna Virkkunen told MPs during a confirmation hearing in Europe. Parliament, Tuesday evening.

In the three-hour hearing, Finland’s Virkkunen (EPP) – herself an MEP from 2014 to 2024 – said the issue would come up with the planned overhaul of cyber security rules next year.

“I’m not happy when it comes to critical infrastructure: most communications in Europe are carried over high-risk applications. A few countries have imposed rules on high-risk sellers,” said Virkkunen.

“Member states have not taken this seriously enough, there will be a review of the Cyber ​​Security Act next year, but I also want to have discussions with member states,” she added.

Euronews reported In August, around eleven countries, less than half of the 27 EU member states, used their legal powers to impose restrictions on telecom providers that are considered high risk, such as Huawei and ZTE, for their network infrastructure 5G.

In 2020, the Commission adopted the so-called 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox to protect networks from cyber threats and risks, after which EU member states agreed to apply restrictions to providers deemed to be high risk.

In addition to bans, most EU countries have introduced rules to restrict providers: 21 have adopted rules and three have pending legislation. This allows national authorities to restrict or prevent providers deemed high risk for 5G networks when deemed necessary.

Huawei has always denied allegations of espionage and ties to the Chinese state.

Virkkunen will do as well propose a Digital Networks Act, an overhaul of telecommunications rules to improve investment and connectivity in the first half of 2025.

DSA and Elon Musk

Virkkunen dodged more questions about compliance with the rules of the US Big Tech platform. Her predecessor, the Frenchman Thierry Breton, had more DISPUTES with billionaire X owner Elon Musk about the company’s policy not being in compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA).

When asked how she would ensure that Musk – tapped by US President-elect Donald Trump to lead a newly created Department for Government Efficiency in his administration – would comply with the DSA, she said that every company must follow the rules.

“The USA is the most important partner of the EU, including in the field of security. I am willing to continue good cooperation,” she said of last week’s US election result.

Lawmakers will now decide whether to confirm Virkkunen and the five other Commission vice-presidents. The new college of commissioners is expected to take office on December 1.