Germany’s cabinet approved a draft bill on Wednesday (August 27) to introduce voluntary military service, as Berlin seeks to strengthen national defence amid heightened security concerns over Russia.
The proposed six-month programme is designed to double the country’s pool of trained reservists, currently around 100,000, and encourage some participants to pursue careers in active service.
The draft will now head to parliament, where it is expected to face tough debate — a test of Germany’s resolve to reinforce its defences following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Compulsory conscription was abolished in 2011, and the Bundeswehr has since struggled to meet recruitment goals. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius aims to boost the force from 180,000 to 260,000 troops by the early 2030s, in line with NATO targets and rising security demands.
“The Bundeswehr must grow,” Pistorius told reporters. “Russia’s aggressive stance makes this necessary. We don’t just need a well-equipped force — we also need personnel strength. Only then will deterrence against Russia be truly credible.”
Under the plan, recruitment targets would rise from 20,000 in 2026 to 38,000 by 2030. Should those goals not be met, the government could consider reintroducing conscription, pending parliamentary approval.
Alongside the bill, the government announced the creation of a permanent National Security Council to improve long-term security planning. The body will replace the Federal Security Council and Security Cabinet, fulfilling a campaign pledge by Chancellor Friedrich Merz to refocus Germany’s security policy.
Merz also revealed he had agreed with French President Emmanuel Macron to take a decision on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project by year’s end. The multinational initiative seeks to deliver next-generation fighter jets and systems for European air forces.
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Germany has taken a major step to bolster its defence, with the cabinet approving a draft bill to reintroduce voluntary military service. The move ref...
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Germany has taken a major step to bolster its defence, with the cabinet approving a draft bill to reintroduce voluntary military service. The move reflects a broader shift in Europe as governments react to security threats from Russia’s war in Ukraine. But what exactly is changing, and why now?
Kyiv calls on allies to accelerate commitments while signalling openness to talks in neutral countries, even as fighting intensifies on the eastern front.
Denmark has publicly apologized to Greenland over the administration of birth control on its girls and women over decades as part of plans to fend off growing U.S. interest in the mineral-rich island.
China’s northern port city is preparing to welcome leaders from across three continents for the largest Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathering to date.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Police in Minneapolis have said that 2 children were killed in the shooting at Annunciation church today with 17 people injured, 14 of them children.
Germany has taken a major step to bolster its defence, with the cabinet approving a draft bill to reintroduce voluntary military service. The move reflects a broader shift in Europe as governments react to security threats from Russia’s war in Ukraine. But what exactly is changing, and why now?
Kyiv calls on allies to accelerate commitments while signalling openness to talks in neutral countries, even as fighting intensifies on the eastern front.
Denmark has publicly apologized to Greenland over the administration of birth control on its girls and women over decades as part of plans to fend off growing U.S. interest in the mineral-rich island.
China’s northern port city is preparing to welcome leaders from across three continents for the largest Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathering to date.
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