Germany introduces conscription Bill toward building Europe's strongest army
What's the story
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has set an ambitious goal of creating Europe's strongest army. The plan comes after years of neglect in the country's military. The coalition government hopes a new bill will help achieve this, expanding Germany's forces against perceived threats from Russia and changes in US foreign policy. The reforms aim to increase Germany's military personnel to 260,000 soldiers, from the current 180,000, and add 200,000 reservists by 2035.
Recruitment strategy
New conscription bill focuses on voluntary enlistment
The new conscription bill emphasizes voluntary enlistment with attractive incentives. The starting salary for recruits will be raised to €2,600 ($3,000), a €450 increase ($519) from the current amount. If recruitment targets are not met, mandatory call-ups may be introduced. Starting next year, all 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire assessing their willingness to serve; men will be required to answer this questionnaire and undergo medical examinations from 2027.
Service controversy
Germany's military service debate and public opinion
The new bill is yet to be approved by Germany's Parliament, with a vote expected by the end of the year. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has emphasized deterrence through enhanced military capabilities. However, many in Germany's political left oppose mandatory conscription. A poll showed 80% of voters for the Die Linke party opposed reintroducing conscription. Official figures also reveal a rise in applications for conscientious objector status since Ukraine's war began.
Modernization efforts
Germany's military modernization efforts and public concerns
Germany's armed forces have been underfunded since the Cold War, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 prompted a shift in attitude. Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a €100 billion fund to modernize the Bundeswehr, the armed forces. Merz has also committed to doubling defense spending to meet the new NATO targets. However, public opinion remains divided on mandatory conscription, with fears it could push young people toward extreme political views, both left and right.