EU Reinforces Communications Infrastructure Amid Global Connectivity Threats
The European Council intensifies efforts to secure telecom networks and satellite capabilities in response to rising foreign influences.
The European Union (EU) is amplifying its focus on enhancing the security and reliability of its communications infrastructure as concerns mount over foreign interference, particularly from China and Russia.
A draft from the Polish Council Presidency emphasizes the need for trusted suppliers in telecommunications, satellites, and subsea cables, reflecting growing apprehensions within both Brussels and member states about their communication networks' vulnerabilities.
The draft revisions follow several significant incidents, including a lobbying scandal involving Huawei, the increasing incidents of severed undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, and uncertainties regarding Elon Musk's provision of satellite internet to Ukraine.
These developments have prompted calls for swift action to safeguard Europe's communications backbone.
Key among the proposed changes is a stronger emphasis on phasing out high-risk vendors from all telecommunications networks and information systems.
This initiative encompasses mobile and fixed infrastructures, highlighting both the 5G toolbox and what is termed the ICT toolbox, which pertains to suppliers for car manufacturers.
Implementation of these strategies faces challenges, with member states historically lagging in adopting the voluntary 5G toolbox due to high costs.
The EU's satellite capabilities have also been a point of concern, given the stark contrast between Musk's Starlink service, which has deployed 7,000 satellites, and Europe's Eutelsat, which has fewer than 700.
The draft document notes the importance of future satellite constellations being guided by the Commission's Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG).
The RSPG is currently tasked with providing advice on the EU's approach to developing direct-to-device satellite technology, which would facilitate direct connections between satellites and end-user devices, bypassing ground networks.
In light of recent geopolitical tensions and vulnerabilities highlighted by cable interruptions, the draft includes references to 'cable vessels' capable of repairing underwater telecommunications cables.
There are concerns that relying on external contractors for such operations may expose Europe to foreign manipulation.
Despite the urgency encapsulated in the draft, it does not fully endorse a recent Commission proposal to establish an 'EU Cable Vessels Reserve,' projected to cost several hundred million euros.
Instead, it suggests optimizing existing cable vessel capacities.
The Council plans to adopt these conclusions during the forthcoming Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy Ministry Council session scheduled for June 6 in Luxembourg.
A draft from the Polish Council Presidency emphasizes the need for trusted suppliers in telecommunications, satellites, and subsea cables, reflecting growing apprehensions within both Brussels and member states about their communication networks' vulnerabilities.
The draft revisions follow several significant incidents, including a lobbying scandal involving Huawei, the increasing incidents of severed undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, and uncertainties regarding Elon Musk's provision of satellite internet to Ukraine.
These developments have prompted calls for swift action to safeguard Europe's communications backbone.
Key among the proposed changes is a stronger emphasis on phasing out high-risk vendors from all telecommunications networks and information systems.
This initiative encompasses mobile and fixed infrastructures, highlighting both the 5G toolbox and what is termed the ICT toolbox, which pertains to suppliers for car manufacturers.
Implementation of these strategies faces challenges, with member states historically lagging in adopting the voluntary 5G toolbox due to high costs.
The EU's satellite capabilities have also been a point of concern, given the stark contrast between Musk's Starlink service, which has deployed 7,000 satellites, and Europe's Eutelsat, which has fewer than 700.
The draft document notes the importance of future satellite constellations being guided by the Commission's Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG).
The RSPG is currently tasked with providing advice on the EU's approach to developing direct-to-device satellite technology, which would facilitate direct connections between satellites and end-user devices, bypassing ground networks.
In light of recent geopolitical tensions and vulnerabilities highlighted by cable interruptions, the draft includes references to 'cable vessels' capable of repairing underwater telecommunications cables.
There are concerns that relying on external contractors for such operations may expose Europe to foreign manipulation.
Despite the urgency encapsulated in the draft, it does not fully endorse a recent Commission proposal to establish an 'EU Cable Vessels Reserve,' projected to cost several hundred million euros.
Instead, it suggests optimizing existing cable vessel capacities.
The Council plans to adopt these conclusions during the forthcoming Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy Ministry Council session scheduled for June 6 in Luxembourg.
