A major reshaping of Nokia’s operations in Germany is underway. The Finnish telecommunications group, once a central force in the global mobile network industry, has confirmed plans to eliminate 300 positions nationwide next year. Even more impactful is a long-term step: the company intends to wind down its Munich site completely by 2030, affecting more than 500 additional employees.
The information became public through the labour union IG Metall, which sharply criticised the decision and signalled firm resistance. Nokia later confirmed the restructuring plans when approached for clarification.
A historically significant site faces its final chapter
The Munich location is far more than just another office building. For decades, it served as a major centre of innovation in network technology. Originally part of Siemens’ telecommunications division, the site belonged to one of the most influential players in global telecom infrastructure. In 2007, Siemens transferred its network unit — then still employing several thousand specialists — into a joint venture with Nokia. Siemens withdrew completely a few years later, leaving the Finnish company as the sole owner.
Today, as Nokia prepares its exit from Munich, Germany finds itself without a major domestic manufacturer of network technology — a stark contrast to its position a quarter of a century ago.
IG Metall calls the plan “a disastrous signal”
IG Metall reacted with strong criticism, arguing that the retreat of a key telecom supplier weakens Germany’s strategic resilience. Daniele Frijia, the head of IG Metall Munich and member of Nokia’s German supervisory board, described the announcement as “a disastrous signal in times of geopolitical uncertainty”.
According to the union, Nokia currently employs around 2,500 people across Germany. The gradual closure in Munich would therefore represent a significant cut in national capacity, especially in high-skilled research and development areas.
Nokia defends the cuts as part of its long-term competitiveness strategy
Nokia argues that the restructuring is essential for its ability to compete globally. A company spokesperson said the group intends to focus investment on a smaller number of core, sustainable hubs within Germany and abroad. Cities including Nuremberg, Ulm, Stuttgart, Bonn and Düsseldorf are expected to remain key pillars in the company’s German network.
The 300 job cuts planned for next year are part of a much broader cost-reduction programme announced in 2023. Under that global initiative, Nokia aims to eliminate up to 14,000 positions worldwide in an effort to save between €800 million and €1.2 billion. The spokesperson emphasised that the company would support all affected employees throughout the transition period.
A shrinking presence marks the end of an era
The closure plans underscore a long-term shift in Europe’s telecommunications landscape. Once home to major telecom engineering powerhouses, Germany now relies almost entirely on international suppliers for its network equipment. The gradual shutdown of Nokia’s Munich site symbolises the end of a historic chapter for the region — one that helped shape global mobile communication in the early 2000s.
As Nokia restructures to maintain profitability and focus on future technologies, Germany faces a difficult reality: without a domestic network technology manufacturer, the country’s digital infrastructure increasingly depends on foreign corporate strategies.
