5G, the future of mobile telephony
14.2.2020
Question for written answer E-000898/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Thierry Mariani (ID)
5G, the future of mobile telephony, is a tantalising prospect for both the mobile giants in China and their two European counterparts, Ericsson and Nokia. The US, for its part, is wanting of a powerful entity capable of developing this technology on its own. Yet the US media has begun circulating a rumour that a US commercial operation intends to acquire one of these brands.
In response, Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, has stated: ‘Contrary to what is being reported in the press, Europe is certainly not lagging behind in 5G. This is simply not true. Today, more than 55% of 5G core patents are available in Europe, while in China the figure is 30% and in the US it is only 18%. That’s the reality. And, incidentally, since taking office I have asked my DGs to start work on 6G, because I want us to continue making technological advances.’ [1]
In the context of the intense competition between the Member States and the US, the EU’s credibility is at stake.
Too often, the EU’s commercial naivety and pernickety rules render it powerless on the financial battlefield.
What measures are in place to protect domestic companies that develop cutting-edge technology which is also important for the future and independence of our nations?
- [1] https://www.lepoint.fr/politique/emmanuel-berretta/thierry-breton-j-ai-de-bonnes-nouvelles-sur-la-5g-22-01-2020-2359036_1897.php