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?
What is the proposal?
The draft bill sets out a six-month voluntary service programme aimed at attracting new recruits into the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces. Volunteers would undergo basic training and then join the reserve force.
If the targets are not met, the government could consider reinstating mandatory conscription, which was abolished in 2011.
Why is Germany doing this?
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has made it clear: Germany needs more soldiers to face a shifting security environment.
“The Bundeswehr must grow. Russia’s aggressive stance makes this necessary,” Pistorius said.
The aim is to expand the Bundeswehr from 180,000 to 260,000 troops by the early 2030s. This is part of Berlin’s commitment to meet NATO force targets and to strengthen its credibility as a deterrent power in Europe.
What about equipment and spending?
Germany has already committed to a surge in defence spending, pledging a €100 billion special fund in 2022. But officials stress that hardware alone is not enough. A larger, better-trained military is needed to make deterrence effective.
What new security structures are being created?
The government also announced the creation of a permanent National Security Council, replacing the Federal Security Council and Security Cabinet.
This new body, a campaign promise by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is designed to improve long-term planning and ensure Germany does not lose strategic focus, as many argue happened during the post-Cold War era.
How does this fit into European defence plans?
Germany is coordinating with European partners, including France. Merz confirmed he has agreed with French President Emmanuel Macron to make a decision on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a joint European fighter jet project, by the end of the year.
The bigger picture
Germany’s move is part of a wider European trend. Several countries have reintroduced or expanded military service in recent years, citing Russia’s aggression and the need for stronger defence.
For Berlin, the draft bill represents both a practical and symbolic shift: a country long hesitant about military expansion is now openly acknowledging that deterrence requires not only weapons but also people.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to strike a deal within 10-15 days or face "really bad things," after Geneva talks this week ended without a b...
Cubans are increasingly turning to solar power to keep businesses operating and basic household appliances running during prolonged electricity cuts, ...
Mexican authorities have uncovered a 22-metre tunnel used to siphon fuel from a state-owned pipeline, shedding light on the country’s long-running b...
At least four people have died and 17 others were injured after a liquid gas truck overturned and exploded in Santiago, Chile’s capital, authorities...
Day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics featured decisive finals, thrilling performances and packed arenas across Milan, Livigno, and Cortin...
Cubans are increasingly turning to solar power to keep businesses operating and basic household appliances running during prolonged electricity cuts, as fuel shortages make diesel generators and other temporary solutions more difficult and costly to maintain.
Mexican authorities have uncovered a 22-metre tunnel used to siphon fuel from a state-owned pipeline, shedding light on the country’s long-running battle against a lucrative black-market trade often controlled by organised crime.
At least four people have died and 17 others were injured after a liquid gas truck overturned and exploded in Santiago, Chile’s capital, authorities confirmed on Thursday. Police said the driver was among those killed.
The Baku Initiative Group hosted an international conference in Azerbaijan’s capital under the title “Neocolonialism and Global Inequality,” bringing together political movements from different parts of the world that said they were still confronting both the legacy and modern forms of colonial rule
The drumbeats have finally faded at the Marquês de Sapucaí, bringing the competitive phase of the Rio Carnival 2026 to a dazzling close. Over two marathon nights of spectacle, the twelve elite schools of the "Special Group" transformed the Sambadrome into a riot of colour.
Israel is preparing for the possibility of receiving a green light from the United States to launch strikes against Iran’s ballistic missile system, according to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN.
Aghdam’s Qarabag FK experienced a 6–1 defeat to England’s Newcastle United in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie in Azerbaijan's capital Baku Wednesday evening (18 February).
Qarabağ FK are facing Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League play-off round on Wednesday evening in Baku, in what will be the first UEFA competition meeting between the two clubs.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 18th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to strike a deal within 10-15 days or face "really bad things," after Geneva talks this week ended without a breakthrough despite claims of progress. The comment comes amid a buildup of military from both sides in the region.
Cubans are increasingly turning to solar power to keep businesses operating and basic household appliances running during prolonged electricity cuts, as fuel shortages make diesel generators and other temporary solutions more difficult and costly to maintain.
Mexican authorities have uncovered a 22-metre tunnel used to siphon fuel from a state-owned pipeline, shedding light on the country’s long-running battle against a lucrative black-market trade often controlled by organised crime.
At least four people have died and 17 others were injured after a liquid gas truck overturned and exploded in Santiago, Chile’s capital, authorities confirmed on Thursday. Police said the driver was among those killed.
Day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics featured decisive finals, thrilling performances and packed arenas across Milan, Livigno, and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Games combined precision, speed, and drama, marking another memorable day in the Winter Olympics.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment