Europe and Huawei can lead the 4th industrial revolution, Huawei EU chief rep tells MEPs

Debate in the European Parliament focuses on Huawei’s leading role in 5G security

Huawei can strengthen the EU’s lead on technological sovereignty, Huawei’s Chief Representative to the EU Institutions Abraham Liu told the audience at a debate in the European Parliament.

“Europe’s values of openness, innovation, and the rule of law have led to it being a powerhouse in mobile communications – and Huawei shares these values!”, Mr Liu said in his opening remarks. “The introduction of the GDPR in 2018 is an excellent initiative that reinforces the core European value of the privacy of citizens. And the model applied in the GDPR can also be applied in cybersecurity. We believe these initiatives will help Europe continue to be a leader in the 5G era. But leading in 5G is not just about the technology itself – it is more about the industry potential that will be enabled by 5G. If we use a metaphor, 5G base stations are like trees but the potential released by 5G is like a forest. Huawei has something special to offer Europe: The most advanced technologies that can be used to connect the continent and enable Europe to lead the fourth industrial revolution”, Mr. Liu outlined.

On the EU’s coordinated risk assessment of the cybersecurity of 5G networks, Mr. Liu said: “We are pleased to note that the EU is committed to take an evidence-based approach, thoroughly analysing risks rather than targeting specific countries or actors. As the EU moves further towards elaborating the common security framework, we hope this work will continue to be guided by the same facts-based approach”.

Mr. Liu also commented on Germany’s Bundesnetzagentur unveiling its catalogue of security requirements: “Germany has set higher and consistent security standards for all 5G network vendors. This fact- and standards-based approach is of exemplary significance for addressing global cyber security challenges and is fully embraced by Huawei”.

Before taking questions from the audience, Mr Liu insisted on the important role that mutual trust played in building a prosperous economy enabled by technological progress.

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