As it turns out, the European Union is actively funding Huawei’s research in telecommunications technologies and next-generation communication systems despite the fact that some EU countries have imposed sanctions against the Chinese company, banning or restricting the use of Huawei’s equipment in their telecommunications networks, writes FT.
Huawei’s involvement in numerous projects is of great importance, ranging from artificial intelligence to promising 6G networks and cloud computing, even though official Brussels insists on stricter restrictions for the company due to security reasons.
According to The Financial Times, Huawei is currently participating in 11 projects under the leading EU program Horizon Europe, receiving up to 14 percent of funding for each project, totaling 3.89 million euros. More important than the money is the fact that participation in such a program actually allows Huawei to be at the center of EU research and development activities, despite the fact that about a third of EU countries are pushing ‘high-risk suppliers’ out of 5G infrastructure and projects.
Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau, head of science, technology, and innovation at the German Mercator Institute for Chinese Studies, stated that the selection of Huawei for projects involving sensitive technologies was ‘incredible’ and that he was surprised this selection did not raise alarms during the selection process.
Huawei provides infrastructure equipment and AI platforms for research projects supported by the EU, including programs related to quantum sensors, autonomous driving, and other industries. Some analysts warn that the company’s involvement could undermine European information security and thwart the EU’s intention to remain a self-sustaining entity capable of developing critical technological infrastructure. Many European experts are questioning why an alarm was not raised during the decision-making phase regarding Huawei’s participation.
