
Pedestrians crossed sunlit streets and browsed storefronts in Berlin’s Charlottenburg district on July 3, 2025, as Germany faces ongoing economic headwinds. The scenes of daily life come amid broader concerns over the country’s labor market. Official figures this week showed unemployment stubbornly high, with industrial job losses mounting despite a booming defense sector fueled by European rearmament. More than 100,000 jobs have disappeared from the metal and electronics industries in the past year alone, contributing to fears of long-term deindustrialization in Europe’s largest economy. The Charlottenburg district, a bustling west Berlin neighborhood known for its retail streets and cafés, reflects both resilience and uncertainty. Tourists and Berliners alike filled sidewalks, offering a snapshot of urban life against the backdrop of shifting economic tides. German leaders have warned of tough months ahead as energy prices, global competition, and structural challenges weigh on traditional industries.
VIDEO CREDIT © Michael Kuenne/PRESSCOV/ZUMA PRESS WIRE
To license stills or footage contact licensing@zumapress.com
Scott Mc Kiernan, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, ZUMA Press
