Spain Cancels Huawei Contract Amid Security Concerns
MADRID – The Spanish digital ministry has cancelled a €9.8 million contract with Telefónica aimed at expanding Huawei equipment within the national academic and research network, reports 24brussels.
The contract was established to supply, install, and manage Huawei-made routing equipment operated by Telefónica, enhancing IP connectivity services for RedIRIS-NOVA, a crucial 16,000-kilometre fibre backbone connecting over 500 universities and research centres across Spain.
Key ministries, including defence, justice, and economy, are affiliated with the RedIRIS network, contributing to its significance in the national framework. The network’s technical and operational management falls under the public entity Red.es, which operates within the digital ministry.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the decision to terminate the tender was influenced by “digital strategy and strategic autonomy considerations.” Negotiations that began in July concluded on Monday, yet the public tender remains listed on public procurement platforms despite its cancellation.
This move adds to the increasing scrutiny surrounding Huawei’s involvement in Spain’s state apparatus. In July, it was revealed that a controversial €12.3 million contract existed for Huawei to store sensitive judicial wiretap data for the interior ministry from 2021 to 2025.
These disclosures raised alarms among US and EU officials about possible security risks and data leaks, which the interior ministry refuted. The growing concerns surrounding deals with Huawei underscore the delicate relationships between Madrid and Beijing, especially as the EU revises its stance towards China.
This controversy emerges during a challenging period for the ruling Socialist Party and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who face ongoing political turbulence marked by multiple corruption scandals.
