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.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over t...
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan and appointed former parliament speaker Alen Simon...
Online fast-fashion platform Shein lost a London copyright lawsuit against rival Temu on Thursday over photographs used to promote some products....
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has increased the strategic importance of Bab al-Mandab, raising fears that instability in both waterways could trigger a wider global energy and trade crisis.
Iran and the United States remain at loggerheads over efforts to agree a permanent end to the war in the Gulf, according to a senior Iranian source who said there had been no progress in talks to revive the interim deal agreed in June and define a timeframe to implement it.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over the strategic waterway and insisting it will not reopen until Washington fulfils its commitments under an interim deal.
Millions of people across Spain and Iceland are preparing on Wednesday to witness a rare total solar eclipse, when the moon will pass directly between Earth and the Sun, briefly turning daylight into darkness along a narrow path.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of August, covering the latest developments.
Taiwan staged military defence drills on Wednesday as China concluded joint naval exercises with Indonesia in waters east of the island.
Washington’s counter-narcotics push is expanding as Colombia’s new conservative government backs deeper security cooperation.
Meta said it had removed more than 750,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts suspected of belonging to Australians under 16, as the country’s internet regulator weighs enforcement action over its teen social media ban.
Russia has accused Ukraine of threatening global grain supplies after recent strikes on Black Sea agricultural infrastructure, while Moscow carried out a new overnight attack on Ukraine’s major Danube port of Izmail.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has used Pacific Fleet drills to criticise Japan, NATO and possible Western moves against Russian commercial ships. He made the comments during his first visit to Iturup, a Japan-claimed island at the end of the Kuril chain near the island of Hokkaido.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment