Nokia and Siemens merged their telecoms equipment and network activities in 2006. At the time, they said they would reduce their workforce by 10 to 15 percent, which then amounted to 60,000 people.

"Nokia Siemens Networks is confirming today that it expects its adjustment to remain within that range, at approximately 9,000 employees, subject to required consultations with employee representatives," the group said in a statement.

Between 2,800 and 2,900 jobs will be cut in Germany from a total of 13,000, and some 1,700 out of a workforce of 10,000 in Finland. The distribution of the remaining cuts was unspecified.

Union representatives reacted sharply to the announced layoffs.

German union IG Metall said the decision had prompted "anger and indignation."