Germany’s cabinet has approved a draft bill to introduce voluntary military service, which may evolve into conscription if troop levels need to be increased. This initiative comes in response to concerns over national security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The country ended compulsory military service in 2011 under then-Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized the necessity of strengthening Germany’s military capabilities amid perceived threats from Russia, stating that the nation is “back on the path to a military service army.” This aligns with previous calls from U.S. President Donald Trump, encouraging European nations to take greater responsibility for their defense.
Upon taking office earlier this year, Merz’s coalition government relaxed borrowing restrictions to facilitate increased defense spending, with plans for 3.5% of economic output to be allocated to defense over the next four years. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius aims to expand the active military from 182,000 to 260,000 personnel by the early 2030s to meet NATO requirements and enhance national defense, as well as increase reservist numbers to 200,000.
Under the new bill, all 18-year-olds will receive an online questionnaire regarding their willingness to volunteer for military service, with mandatory participation for men and voluntary for women. Quentin Gärtner, an 18-year-old representative of the Federal Pupils’ Conference, indicated that while his generation is eager to contribute to national defense, they seek inclusion in decision-making processes affecting them.
The government maintains that military service will remain voluntary unless security conditions deteriorate or volunteer numbers drop, in which case, conscription could be reinstated with parliamentary approval. Pistorius expressed optimism about attracting young recruits with competitive pay and benefits.
Despite a reported 28% increase in new recruits in the first half of the year, some members of the coalition, particularly from Pistorius’s Social Democrat party, advocate for making military careers more attractive rather than reinstating compulsory service. There are concerns among conservative party members about potential delays in reintroducing conscription due to the need for parliamentary approval.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c15l83e4dwdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss