German cabinet passes bill for voluntary military service

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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