Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj announced Wednesday that he will propose a government decision obliging the telecom operator One to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from its network, citing serious national security concerns.
He also emphasized that the country’s new state Data Center must not be equipped with technology from these or other high-risk vendors.
“Montenegro must follow NATO security standards”
“I fully support the position of the United States on the serious security risks posed by Chinese-manufactured equipment in critical communication systems. As a NATO ally, Montenegro must adhere to the highest Euro-Atlantic security standards,” Gjeloshaj stated.
His remarks followed a Radio Free Europe report referencing a study by the Digital Forensic Center (DFC), which found that one of Montenegro’s three major telecom providers uses Huawei 5G base stations.
U.S. and EU issue strong warnings
The U.S. State Department responded by warning that Chinese-made equipment in critical infrastructure poses a severe threat to Montenegro’s, U.S., and NATO’s collective security.
“We remain deeply concerned about vulnerabilities to our collective security when NATO allies entrust critical infrastructure to untrusted suppliers,” the State Department said, urging governments to prioritize national security over the appeal of low-cost technology.
The European Commission has also identified Huawei as a “significantly higher risk” compared to other 5G vendors.
Concerns over espionage and sabotage
The DFC stressed that although Chinese technology is often advanced and competitively priced, its ties to the Chinese state raise concerns about espionage, sabotage, and control of key infrastructure.
Western fears have intensified due to Chinese national security laws, which oblige Chinese companies to cooperate with the country’s intelligence services.
A 2022 FBI investigation found that Huawei equipment could potentially disrupt U.S. military communications, including those related to nuclear systems.
An increasing number of countries have joined the United States in banning 5G equipment from high-risk vendors such as Huawei and ZTE.
Government empowered to restrict high-risk technology
Montenegro’s 2023 Law on Electronic Communications allows the government to restrict procurement and use of equipment from certain manufacturers if national security concerns are identified.
Within this framework, Gjeloshaj confirmed that he will formally request:
- The removal of Huawei and ZTE equipment from One’s network
- A requirement that the new national Data Center be built without high-risk technologies
- Strengthened coordination with U.S. and NATO partners
“Montenegro must build secure, modern, and reliable digital systems in full cooperation with its key partners — the U.S. and NATO,” he concluded.
Telecom operator One denies prior warnings
Telecom operator One told RFE that no state institution has previously raised concerns about the technologies used in its systems. The company emphasized that it conducts regular technical and security checks to ensure the network cannot be exploited to endanger users or state security.
€300 million investment planned for Data Center
The government’s 2026 draft budget includes €300 million for constructing the Administrative and State Data Center in Podgorica, a project aligned with NATO obligations under Article 3 of the Washington Treaty, which requires allies to strengthen their national defence and resilience.
Montenegro joined NATO in 2017 and aims to join the European Union by 2028.
