By TIN24 Editor Amit Alhat | Thu, Nov 13, 2025, 16:48
Berlin (dpa) – Germany’s latest military service reform is on track after Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition government reached a crucial compromise on Thursday, agreeing to a new model aimed at strengthening the country’s armed forces. The plan allows for voluntary enlistment, with provisions to reintroduce conscription if recruitment targets remain unmet.
The proposed system would enable parliament to randomly call up young men to serve in the Bundeswehr if the voluntary program fails to generate sufficient recruits. The development follows mounting security concerns across Europe amid the ongoing Russian assault on Ukraine and a shifting U.S. foreign policy stance under President Donald Trump.
The coalition—comprising Merz’s conservative bloc (CDU/CSU) and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD)—had wrestled for weeks over whether the bill should include an automatic trigger for compulsory service. The eventual agreement stops short of such an automatic switch, opting instead for parliamentary review if recruitment falls dangerously low.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius praised the compromise, saying the legislation could take effect by early 2026 pending parliamentary approval. He sought to reassure citizens, stressing that stronger deterrence through better training, equipment, and manpower reduces the risk of conflict. “The more capable our forces are, the less likely war becomes,” Pistorius said, reflecting on lessons drawn from the Cold War era.
Germany, which suspended compulsory service in 2011, can reinstate it through a parliamentary majority during times of tension or defence emergencies. The new arrangement will initially apply to young men born in 2008 or later. Any future inclusion of women would require amending the constitution.
The Bundeswehr aims to expand its active personnel from the current 180,000 to 260,000, supported by 200,000 reservists drawn largely from the new service initiative. NATO’s renewed focus on European defence readiness adds urgency to the reforms, as allied nations push for higher recruitment and rearmament targets.
SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch expressed confidence in the voluntary model’s success but acknowledged the option to revisit the conscription debate if targets are not met.
Author: The India News 24
TIN24 (The India News 24) The India News 24 (TIN24) is a Mumbai-based news Digital Media focusing on breaking news, local and regional issues in India, with content primarily in Marathi. It was established with an X (Twitter) presence since July 2022. Owner & News Editor: Amit Alhat Education: BA in Mass Communication Journalism (Graduate) Experience: 12 years in journalism Platforms: - Website: https://theindianews24.in - X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_indianews24 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindianews247 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindianews_24
