Germany's parliament passed a contentious new military service law on Friday, designed to expand the armed forces and fulfill NATO commitments as rising tensions with Russia drive a European-wide push for stronger defense.
The legislation, approved following months of intense debate, establishes a dual-track system. Its centerpiece is a more attractive, voluntary service program aimed at drawing young recruits. However, if volunteer numbers prove insufficient, lawmakers retain the authority to activate needs-based conscription.
Activating conscription would require a separate parliamentary vote and could involve a random selection process if more citizens are eligible than the military requires. The defense ministry is mandated to report recruitment statistics to the Bundestag every six months.
The law sets forth ambitious growth targets for the Bundeswehr. It aims to expand the active-duty force to up to 260,000 soldiers—a significant increase from the current 183,000—and to build a reserve component of at least 200,000 personnel by the year 2035.
In a major shift not seen since the suspension of national conscription in 2011, all men born on or after January 1, 2008, will be required to undergo a medical evaluation. This process will be phased in as administrative capacity allows.
While both 18-year-old men and women will receive official requests to declare their willingness to serve, only men are legally obligated to respond to the inquiry.
Germany's legislative action aligns with a broader strategic realignment across Europe. Nations like France, Italy, and Belgium are expanding their voluntary service models, while Nordic and Baltic states are reinforcing mandatory conscription, all responding to the heightened threat of Russian aggression.
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Source: REUTERS
