Nokia will receive up to €870 million in long-term financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to support its research and development of next-generation mobile technologies.
The Finnish telecom company plans to use the funds to advance research on 5G-Advanced and 6G systems, focusing on enhancing performance, energy efficiency, and cybersecurity in future mobile networks. The project also aims to integrate artificial intelligence into mobile infrastructure.
This loan is part of a broader European effort to ensure the continent’s technological independence in critical digital infrastructure. The financing from the EIB is backed by the European Union’s InvestEU programme.
Karl Nehammer, EIB vice-president, said, “This R&D programme is essential to Europe’s strategic autonomy in future network technologies. By supporting Nokia’s innovation in 5G and 6G, we are helping Europe maintain its competitiveness in a vital industry.”
Nokia, based in Espoo, operates in over 130 countries and employs more than 78,000 people. In 2024, the company invested €4.5 billion in research and development, which accounted for 23 percent of its total revenue.
The loan will fund a multi-year programme focused on hardware and software development for radio access networks. Nokia says these technologies are crucial for building secure and intelligent digital infrastructure both in Europe and worldwide.
The research will take place across several EU countries, with most work conducted in Poland, followed by Finland, France, Germany, and other member states.
The €870 million financing will be released in two equal parts of €435 million. The first tranche was signed in December 2025, and the second is expected by mid-2026, following the project’s investment schedule.
Marco Wiren, Nokia’s chief financial officer, said the funding will support the company’s strategy in advanced connectivity. “This funding commitment supports our R&D, which is crucial to our goal of leading the next generation of networks through 5G Advanced and AI native 6G technology,” Wiren said.
He added that Nokia aims to build networks that are secure, intelligent, and compatible with large-scale artificial intelligence systems.
Wow, Nokias stepping up their game with that loan! I wonder if itll lead to groundbreaking tech or just more of the same.
Wow, Nokia securing that loan is a game-cer! But will it really lead to groundbreaking mobile tech, or is it just a band-aid solution?
Wow, Nokia getting a massive loan for mobile tech research! Will they make a big comeback or flop again? Exciting times ahead!
Should Nokia invest in developing new mobile technology or focus on improving existing products? Lets discuss! 📱💭
Wow, Nokia getting that big loan for mobile tech research? Hope they come up with soing game-cing! Exciting times ahead!
Do you think Nokias new tech research will make a comeback in the mobile market? Lets discuss! 📱🤔 #Nokia #MobileTech
Interesting move by Nokia securing such a hefty loan for mobile tech research. Will this investment pay off in the long run? Time will tell!