European Commission Bans All Huawei-Affiliated Lobbying Over Corruption Allegations

The European Commission has declared that it will cease all interactions with groups connected to Huawei, as part of its response to an ongoing corruption investigation implicating the Chinese tech company in efforts to improperly influence the European Parliament.

“The Commission shall not meet with any lobby groups and/or trade associations that represent Huawei’s interests and/or speak on its behalf,” stated the Commission’s spokesperson service. This measure builds on an earlier move from March, when the Commission prohibited any “contact and meetings” with Huawei officials. That decision came shortly after Belgian authorities launched a formal probe into Huawei’s alleged involvement in corruption in Brussels.

In its latest update, the Commission clarified that the ban has now been extended to include “any intermediaries acting on Huawei’s behalf who would engage in meetings and other contacts with Commission staff to advance the interests of the company.”

The investigation by Belgian prosecutors has so far led to criminal charges against at least eight individuals, among them one of Huawei’s top executives in Europe. The charges include active corruption, money laundering, and involvement in a criminal organization, and follow a coordinated series of police raids across Belgium, France, and Portugal.

Huawei, a major presence within the European Union’s lobbying ecosystem, is currently listed as a member of 22 organizations in the EU’s transparency register, which records corporate lobbying efforts. Several of these associations—such as DigitalEurope, BusinessEurope, and the European Internet Forum—have already taken steps to suspend Huawei’s participation in light of the scandal.

Other entities affiliated with Huawei have indicated that they are continuing to evaluate the situation. SolarPower Europe, where Huawei representatives continue to hold key roles, acknowledged that it has reduced the company's “non-membership financial commitments.” However, the organization has not provided an updated position regarding Huawei’s ongoing involvement.

CERRE, a think tank that lists Huawei as a member, previously indicated the matter was “under close review,” but declined to offer further comment.

At the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO), Huawei remains a listed member, though ECSO has confirmed that it is conducting a review of Huawei’s membership status. The outcome of this review is expected to be announced on April 29.

Other industry associations where Huawei continues to be listed as a member—including Eurelectric, the European Association for Storage of Energy, Bruegel, FTTH Council Europe, and ECTA—did not respond to requests for comment or offer updates on their current relationships with the company.

Huawei also did not immediately issue a new response regarding the Commission’s expanded ban. However, in a prior statement, the company said, “The company maintains a zero-tolerance stance against corruption. As always, we are fully committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations.”

By fLEXI tEAM