EU Confidential Dirty games in Brussels and war games in Europe
Mar 21, 2025
Laurens Cerulus, POLITICO's cybersecurity editor, sheds light on Huawei’s alarming lobbying scandal that has resulted in police raids and questions about Beijing’s influence in Europe. He discusses the implications for EU lawmakers amidst concerns of corruption. Meanwhile, Chris Lunday, reporting from Berlin, highlights Germany's historic shift toward increased defense spending, breaking away from its conservative fiscal policies. This pivotal change reflects Europe’s urgent need to address security challenges in light of rising global tensions.
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Huawei's Lavish Lobbying
- Huawei lobbyists allegedly offered gifts like phones, football tickets, and trips to China to European lawmakers.
- These gifts are now being investigated as potential bribes influencing political positions.
Huawei Security Risks
- Huawei's presence in European telecom networks raises security concerns like cyber espionage and data surveillance.
- Over-reliance on Chinese equipment creates political and economic risks, similar to Europe's dependence on Russian gas.
Parliamentary Transparency Issues
- The European Parliament implemented reforms after Qatargate, but enforcement remains weak.
- Many MEPs still don't disclose lobbying meetings, highlighting the need for stronger accountability mechanisms.