EU Continues Efforts to Enhance 5G Network Security: A Look at Progress Report

The European Commission, in collaboration with EU Member States and ENISA, releases an update on the advancement of the EU Toolbox implementation on 5G cybersecurity. The report details the adoption of legislative measures by member states, the risks posed by specific 5G suppliers, and the importance of swift implementation to ensure robust cybersecurity
EU Continues Efforts to Enhance 5G Network Security: A Look at Progress Report

The European Union, along with its Member States and ENISA, the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, have presented the second progress report concerning the ongoing implementation of the EU Toolbox on 5G cybersecurity. This report not only reflects the efforts made since the inception of the project but also encompasses several recommendations outlined in the Special Report by the European Court of Auditors issued in January 2022. In parallel to the progress report, the Commission has also endorsed a Communication, serving as a complement to the report, which elaborates on the application of the toolbox by the Member States and within the EU’s internal communication and funding activities.


The progress report emphasizes strategic measures that have been initiated, particularly focusing on the enforcement of restrictions on high-risk suppliers. Currently, 24 Member States are either in the process of or have already adopted legislative measures that provide national authorities with the power to assess and issue restrictions on suppliers. Out of these, ten have already implemented such restrictions, and three are engaged in facilitating the enactment of the relevant national legislation. Given the importance of the connectivity infrastructure for the digital economy and the dependence of many critical services on 5G networks, it is essential that the Member States expedite the complete implementation of the Toolbox without delay.

The Commission’s Communication brings to light, strong concerns about the risks posed by specific mobile network communication equipment suppliers to the security of the Union. The Commission considers that decisions adopted by Member States to restrict or exclude Huawei and ZTE from 5G networks are justified and compliant with the 5G Toolbox. The Communication indicates that, based on a broad spectrum of available information, the Commission considers that Huawei and ZTE represent materially higher risks than other 5G suppliers.

The Commission underscores that the security of 5G networks is a top priority, serving as an essential component of its Security Union Strategy. As those networks are central to infrastructure, they provide the bedrock for a wide range of services essential for the functioning of the internal market, as well as the maintenance and operation of vital societal and economic functions. The issue of 5G network security is pivotal to the Union’s sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and resilience.

The Commission also appeals to Member States that have yet to adopt the Toolbox, urging them to enact relevant measures as recommended in the EU Toolbox, to effectively and promptly address the risks posed by the identified suppliers.

As part of its corporate cybersecurity policy, the Commission will implement measures to avoid exposure of its corporate communications to mobile networks that use Huawei and ZTE as suppliers. Moreover, it will take relevant security measures to avoid procuring new connectivity services that rely on equipment from those suppliers and will work with Member States and telecom operators to ensure these suppliers are gradually phased out from existing connectivity services at Commission sites.

The second progress report reflects that a vast majority of Member States have reinforced or are in the process of bolstering security requirements for 5G networks based on the EU Toolbox. However, despite the progress made, the report acknowledges that this situation creates a clear risk of persisting dependency on high-risk suppliers in the internal market, potentially leading to serious negative impacts on security for users and companies across the EU and the EU’s critical infrastructure.

The EU Toolbox on 5G cybersecurity, published in January 2020 by Member States’ authorities with the support of the Commission and ENISA, aims to mitigate risks related to the cybersecurity of 5G networks. The first report on Member States’ progress was published in July 2020. Many Member States had already adopted or were well advanced in the preparation of more advanced security measures for 5G cybersecurity.


Recent Content

The recent SK Telecom data breach, termed the industry’s worst by CEO Ryu Young-sang, led to a massive customer exodus and highlighted urgent cybersecurity needs. With 70,000 users lost, the telecom giant faces financial and legal challenges, emphasizing the critical role of robust data security measures.
The telecom sector is evolving from 5G to 6G, emphasizing AI-driven solutions, software-centric strategies, and open-source collaboration. This transition aims to enhance network management and user experiences with technologies like AR, VR, and more efficient data handling.
Nvidia opposes the U.S. proposed AI chip export controls, highlighting potential negative impacts on innovation and global competitiveness. This article explores the differing views within the tech industry, focusing on the economic and strategic implications of such regulations.
As AI workloads explode in complexity and scale, telecom providers face a $1B+ opportunity to evolve from traditional carriers into AI connectivity enablers. This article explores how telcos can monetize AI-driven traffic through dynamic network infrastructure, edge AI hosting, and cloud-like billing models tailored to modern enterprise demands.
Connecting the unconnected requires more than just broadband buildout. National digital inclusion strategies focus on affordability, digital skills, devices, and sustainable infrastructure to empower all communities. Learn how federal programs, state initiatives, and public-private partnerships are reshaping broadband access across America.
The fiber, data center, and telecom sectors are evolving rapidly amid rising AI workloads, cloud expansion, edge computing, and new investment models. This article breaks down the key trends — from fiber deployments in rural markets to secondary data center expansions and telecoms shifting to platform-based services, that are reshaping digital infrastructure for a hyperconnected future.
Whitepaper
Explore how Generative AI is transforming telecom infrastructure by solving critical industry challenges like massive data management, network optimization, and personalized customer experiences. This whitepaper offers in-depth insights into AI and Gen AI's role in boosting operational efficiency while ensuring security and regulatory compliance. Telecom operators can harness these AI-driven...
Supermicro and Nvidia Logo
Whitepaper
The whitepaper, "How Is Generative AI Optimizing Operational Efficiency and Assurance," provides an in-depth exploration of how Generative AI is transforming the telecom industry. It highlights how AI-driven solutions enhance customer support, optimize network performance, and drive personalized marketing strategies. Additionally, the whitepaper addresses the challenges of integrating AI into...
RADCOM Logo
Article & Insights
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have evolved from experimental satellite systems to integral components of global connectivity. The transition from geostationary satellites to low Earth orbit constellations has significantly enhanced mobile broadband services. With the adoption of 3GPP standards, NTNs now seamlessly integrate with terrestrial networks, providing expanded coverage and new opportunities,...

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top