The European Commission recommends aligning Ukrainian legislation with the EU 5G Security Toolbox
Integration into the EU requires the Ukrainian telecom market to enhance 5G network security without weakening operational capabilities. The European Commission's Ukraine 2025 Report recommends aligning national legislation with the European security toolbox. Meanwhile, various European countries apply distinct mechanisms for critical infrastructure protection. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine (Олена Ткаченко) citing European Court of Auditors, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Adopted in January 2020, the EU 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox combines strategic and technical measures for assessing supplier risks and protecting network management. The European Court of Auditors recorded differences in the scope of restrictions across member states depending on their legal instruments and network configurations. Specifically, Germany has implemented a two-tier plan with deadlines until the end of 2026 and 2029 for different network functions.
French and Italian security mechanisms
The 2019 French law established a prior authorization regime for the operation of certain 5G equipment for up to eight years. Italy utilizes the Golden Power mechanism, granting the government the authority to review agreements and apply restrictions or vetoes regarding strategic networks. In January 2026, the European Commission proposed revising the Cybersecurity Act through the CSA2 project, although as of 22 October 2026, it remains a legislative proposal.
Costs of changing network architecture
A July 2026 study by GSMA Intelligence estimates direct costs for replacing specific vendors’ equipment in EU networks at 30-40 billion euros. This estimate was formed based on data from seven European operator groups. At the same time, the International Telecommunication Union points to infrastructure damage and power outages in Ukraine as additional load factors on operator resources.
Building a national implementation model must rely on accurate asset inventory and an analysis of engineering capabilities. European integration requires achieving an appropriate level of security in accordance with obligations to the EU, while accounting for Ukrainian infrastructural realities.
Photo: RBC-Ukraine
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