At the presentation of its ‘strategic perspective’ on EU-China relations on Tuesday, 12 March, the European Commission announced that it intends to propose a common EU approach to 5G network security. This roadmap is a response to a topical resolution adopted by the European Parliament on the same day.
In its report, Parliament refers to "concerns" about third-country equipment manufacturers that may include back doors in their products (see EUROPE 12211/5). The resolution calls on the Commission to develop a strategy that puts Europe at the forefront of cybersecurity technology and aims to reduce Europe's dependence on foreign technology in the field of cybersecurity. The same message was also conveyed by the Telecommunications Ministers at their informal meeting in Bucharest on 1 March (see EUROPE 12205/4).
The Commission's communication addresses these concerns. The Commission has announced a recommendation with regard to 5G network security in the wake of the Spring European Council. The Commission added that this initiative will be based on a coordinated assessment of risk measurement and management in the EU, an effective framework for cooperation and information exchange, and a common awareness of the EU’s position on key communication networks. The communication also mentions that the EU is currently working on a new sanctions regime to counter cyberattacks. These measures, which have not been made public, still require a unanimous vote by the Member States (see EUROPE 12192/31). (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)