Several speakers invited to address the Huawei EU Cybersecurity and Transparency Centre, on Thursday 30 January, recalled that the deployment of European 5G networks, while providing an opportunity for the EU to shine, also represents a major challenge.
This event was held the day after the European Commission presented a series of measures (toolbox) to ensure the security of its future 5G networks (see EUROPE 12414/7).
Tamara Tafra, adviser for cybersecurity issues at the Croatian Permanent Representation to the EU, said she firmly believed that Europeans could set an example in this area.
“We are hoping that we can spread good practices beyond the EU and also show how, through a joint effort, you can reach a really sustainable solution that doesn’t put out any suppliers”, she added.
Sophie Batas, director of cybersecurity and data protection at the Huawei group, also stressed that the deployment of secure European 5G networks is an opportunity for the EU to “take the lead” in this area.
Ms Batas and Ms Tafra did not fail to point out, however, that much remains to be done. “The toolbox is only one step in a long journey”, said Sophie Batas. She welcomed the Commission’s communication, saying that it is now possible for Huawei to plan with the EU “the deployment of 5G in Europe according to the highest cybersecurity standards”.
Tamara Tafra, for her part, assured that the Croatian Presidency would use “the remaining 5 months and 1 day” of its term of office to work on putting the toolbox in place.
The measures presented by the Commission, she added, will require the adoption of further strategic legislation at the national level “as well as coordination and cooperation between the Member States”. (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki – intern)