Germany plans to boost military recruitment as part of a sweeping effort to strengthen its national defenses in response to security concerns sparked by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government approved a draft bill that introduces a voluntary military service scheme, aiming to raise the number of soldiers by 80,000.
The plan comes a decade after the government suspended compulsory duty and includes the possibility of reintroducing conscription if recruitment targets are not met, according to Reuters.
Newsweek has contacted the German Federal Ministry of Defense, via email, for comment.
Why It Matters
The move is a major policy reversal for Germany, which suspended conscription in 2011 under then-Chancellor Angela Merkel. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, German leaders have been pushing to modernize and expand the armed forces after years of underinvestment.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the Bundeswehr (armed forces) “must grow” in order to meet NATO force commitments and ensure Germany’s security. “The international security situation, above all Russia’s aggressive posture, makes this necessary,” Pistorius said in a press conference, “Only then will deterrence as a whole be truly credible vis-à-vis Russia”
What To Know
Germany currently has around 182,000 active soldiers. The new plan aims for 260,000 troops and 200,000 trained reservists by the early 2030s, as part of Berlin’s commitment to NATO force readiness and regional defense.
Under the bill, military service will be voluntary for as long as possible, the German government said.
The initial scheme involves a six-month training period, with the option to pursue a military career.
If those recruitment targets are missed, the government may move to restore conscription, pending approval from the Bundestag.
All 18-year-old men will be required to complete an online survey assessing their willingness and suitability for service. Women will receive the same survey, but responding will be voluntary.
What People Are Saying
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said: “The Bundeswehr must grow. “The international security situation, above all Russia’s aggressive posture, makes this necessary.
“We don’t just need a well-equipped force—we are already well on the way there. But we also need a Bundeswehr that is strong in terms of personnel. Only then will deterrence as a whole be truly credible vis-à-vis Russia.”
He added: “With attractive pay and attractive military service, I am very confident that we will succeed in attracting young men and women to the Bundeswehr.”
Quentin Gärtner, 18, the head of Germany’s Federal Pupils’ Conference told the BBC: “We can only do our part and take responsibility for our society when we are included in every decision-making process affecting our generation. The ministry of defense has not reached out to us yet … He can call me any time.”
What Happens Next
The draft bill must still pass the Bundestag, where lawmakers are expected to propose amendments and debate its scope. Pistorius has expressed confidence that the targets can be met through voluntary recruitment alone.
Still, the inclusion of a pathway to conscription has reopened a national debate about military service—one that Germany had largely set aside since 2011. Whether the country embraces a larger armed force willingly, or through mandate, will depend on the political and security developments ahead.
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