Germany approves bill for voluntary military service, leaves door open to conscription

 

Germany’s cabinet has approved a draft bill to introduce voluntary military service as the country works to strengthen its armed forces amid security concerns over Russia. The scheme, expected to begin in 2026, will allow young volunteers to serve six months in the Bundeswehr, Germany’s military, with the aim of doubling the number of trained reservists from around 100,000 to more than 200,000 by 2030. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the move was necessary to meet NATO targets and ensure Germany can present a credible deterrent to Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

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Under the bill, annual recruitment targets will rise from 20,000 in 2026 to 38,000 by the end of the decade. Volunteers who complete the programme may then choose to continue in active service. However, if the voluntary scheme fails to meet recruitment goals, the government could reinstate conscription, though this would require parliamentary approval. Germany abolished mandatory military service in 2011 and has struggled since then to maintain troop numbers. The new plan is part of wider reforms, including expanded advertising campaigns and outreach programmes, that have already boosted enlistment by 28% compared to last year.

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The proposed military service bill has sparked political debate in Berlin. Conservatives, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, argue the current plan is too cautious and risks delaying a return to conscription if recruitment targets fall short. They have called for the law to automatically trigger the draft should the Bundeswehr miss its goals. Members of Defence Minister Pistorius’ Social Democratic Party, meanwhile, say the priority should be making the military an attractive career choice through improved pay, conditions, and opportunities, rather than forcing young people into service.

The draft law already includes some mandatory steps: all young men will be required to complete an online survey about their willingness and suitability for service once they turn 18. Officials say this will provide a clearer picture of the potential pool of recruits. Supporters argue that introducing voluntary service now gives Germany flexibility, while also laying the groundwork for stronger national defence in the future.

The debate comes at a time when Germany is significantly increasing defence spending, aiming to raise troop levels from 180,000 to 260,000 by the early 2030s. For now, the voluntary scheme will serve as a test of whether enough young people can be persuaded to serve without reinstating compulsory conscription.

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