The Growing Challenges for Huawei in Europe
Huawei, a Chinese telecommunications giant, has faced increasingly intense geopolitical pressures in Europe since 2019. The company has been at the center of a storm due to concerns about its 5G equipment, which Western governments have linked to security risks and espionage allegations. These concerns have led to efforts to reduce dependence on Huawei’s technology, particularly in critical infrastructure. In response, the company has adopted various strategies to navigate this complex landscape, including lobbying, hiring influential figures, and maintaining a strong corporate presence in Brussels.
Lobbying Efforts and Strategic Hiring
To counter these challenges, Huawei has invested heavily in lobbying efforts and strategic hiring. The firm has attracted former journalists and Western politicians with direct ties to powerful institutions like the Élysée Palace and Westminster, offering them six-figure salaries. This strategy aims to bolster the company’s influence and improve its public image by leveraging the networks and expertise of these individuals. By having well-connected professionals on its team, Huawei has sought to counterbalance the growing skepticism toward Chinese tech companies in Europe.
Declining Influence in Brussels
Despite these efforts, Huawei’s influence in Brussels has waned significantly over the past two years. The shift in public opinion and policy toward Chinese tech companies has been evident, with European governments adopting a more cautious approach to using Huawei’s 5G equipment in their networks. In 2023, the European Commission introduced measures to prevent Huawei and its rival ZTE from accessing European research funding and urged operators to phase out Chinese equipment. These developments have marked a turning point in Huawei’s relationship with Europe, signaling a broader drift toward distrust and regulatory exclusion.
Resource Allocation and Lobbying Spend
Huawei’s investments in lobbying have remained substantial, though they have decreased compared to earlier years. According to the EU Transparency Register, the company spent between €2 million and €2.25 million annually on lobbying efforts in Brussels in 2021, 2022, and 2023. While this is a significant amount, it is lower than the estimated €3 million annually spent in the preceding years (2018–2020). Despite the reduced spending, Huawei continues to employ a dedicated team of lobbyists and communications professionals to advocate for its interests in the EU capital.
Adjustments in Representation
The company’s representation in Brussels has also undergone changes. At its peak, Huawei declared 21 full-time lobbyists, of whom 12 were accredited to access the European Parliament. However, as of October, this number had dropped to 11 lobbyists, with only 9 holding parliamentary access passes. This reduction reflects both the company’s resource allocation adjustments and the increasingly challenging environment it faces in Europe. Despite these changes, Huawei maintains a significant presence in Brussels, indicating its continued commitment to shaping EU policies and public perceptions.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, the dynamics between Huawei and the European Union are likely to remain contentious. As the geopolitical tensions persist, the company will need to adapt its strategies further to navigate this evolving landscape. While Huawei’s efforts to build bridges through hiring and lobbying are commendable, they may not be enough to fully restore trust and influence in a region increasingly aligned with Western security priorities. The outcome of this ongoing struggle will not only define Huawei’s future in Europe but also set precedents for the role of Chinese tech companies in global markets.
