The German parliament on Friday approved a controversial new military service law that seeks to increase the number of Bundeswehr troops and achieve NATO goals, while tensions with Russia increase demand for greater military capabilities. … Defense throughout Europe.
The legislation, approved after months of intense debate, introduces a two-track system: a more profitable volunteer service that seeks to attract young recruits, but if conscription is insufficient, lawmakers can activate conscription according to need.
This will require a separate vote in the Bundestag, and may involve a random selection if too many requirements are met. The Ministry of Defense will submit recruitment figures to Parliament every six months.
The bill sets ambitious expansion goals for the German military, with the aim of reaching up to 260,000 active soldiers (up from the current 183,000) and at least 200,000 reserve soldiers by 2035.
In this first measure since the suspension of conscription in 2011, all men born after January 1, 2008 will undergo a medical evaluation, which will be carried out gradually as capacity allows.
Both 18-year-old men and women will receive requests to declare their willingness to serve, although only men must respond.
Germany’s move follows a broader European trend, in which France, Italy and Belgium have expanded volunteer service, while the Nordic and Baltic states have strengthened conscription in response to Russian aggression.