As Henna Virkkunen steps into her role as the EU’s tech security commissioner, she faces an immediate test: managing the EU’s tech dependency on China, an issue close to home in Finland. Although Finland’s 5G infrastructure heavily incorporates Huawei technology, Virkkunen is expected to push for a stronger stance on Chinese tech dependence. Her new mandate requires her to enforce the EU’s “5G Toolbox” measures, urging member states to phase out high-risk suppliers like Huawei from crucial telecom systems. Balancing this goal with Finland’s economic ties to China will be complex; China remains one of Finland’s largest investors, complicating any shift away from Chinese tech reliance.
Finland, a tech powerhouse hosting global player Nokia, exemplifies Europe’s struggle for tech sovereignty in a competitive global landscape. With her background as an EU Parliament lawmaker, Virkkunen has the experience and reputation as a tech hawk to lead this transformation, pushing Europe toward a digitally secure and self-reliant future. Her success could define Europe’s next steps in securing critical infrastructure against foreign influence, with repercussions felt across the bloc.
