According to Ansip, the EU trailed behind the U.S. and Asian countries in introducing 4G networks and cannot afford to make the same mistake again with 5G. Unlike Europe, the U.S. practically skipped 3G and jumped from 2G directly to 4G, and the U.S. currently has somewhat of an advantage as well. According to some sources, said Ansip, where Europe invests one euro, Americans invest two.

When it comes to LTE and 4G, he continued, it is not an issue anymore and Europe has caught up with the rest of the world, but there is no time for a period of reflection, collecting funds or battling with each other over whether one will cooperate or not — Europe must now switch immediately to 5G.

EU member states have committed to introducing the new mobile technology in major cities by 2020 and everywhere throughout the union by 2025.