The member states ask the EC to take swift action and avoid negative implications for the roll-out of 5G.
A letter to the EC from 15 countries: On 19 October 2020, a group of 15 EU countries wrote a letter to the European Commission, expressing concern regarding the ‘escalating disinformation’ around 5G and the effects of electromagnetic exposure. The list of signatories include Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, and Sweden.
A call to immediate action: The 15 countries warn that acts of vandalism against telecommunication infrastructure and escalating disinformation on EMFs and 5G are not only a threat to the economy but also hinder the ability for the EU to meet its ambitious 5G goals. The increasing mistrust could even hamper the smooth introduction of an easier, permit-free deployment framework. The countries call on the EC to work with member states on measures to counter disinformation on 5G as soon as possible, and recognise the need for awareness campaigns based on digital literacy, education and transparency, enabling European citizens to critically assess the available information. At the same time, the concerns of those worried about the effects of 5G should be taken into account in a broad and inclusive debate.
Europe is the hardest hit: According to the GSMA, as of October 2020 there had been 221 arson attacks to mobile masts across 18 countries, from anti-5G groups, of which 183 took place in Europe. The UK is by far the hardest hit, with 87 attacks, followed by France (50) and the Netherlands (30). 16 more cases took place across another eight EU countries.
