Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggests a mandatory military draft could be reinstated if voluntary enlistment doesn’t meet Germany’s needs in the face of perceived Russian threats.
Germany is considering reintroducing compulsory military service as early as next year if voluntary recruitment falls short of the personnel needed to fulfill its NATO commitments, according to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. This reconsideration comes amid rising tensions with Moscow.
Germany ended conscription in 2011 but is now debating its return, citing perceived Russian “threats.” Moscow has consistently refuted claims of any intention to attack NATO countries, dismissing them as “nonsense” and accusing the West of using scare tactics to justify increased military spending.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his coalition partners have reportedly agreed on implementing a “Swedish model,” which blends selective mandatory and voluntary military service. Pistorius stated in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung on Saturday that they are currently working to pass relevant legislation by year’s end.
“Our model is initially based on voluntary participation,” Pistorius explained. “If we reach a point where our capacity exceeds voluntary registrations, we may opt to make it mandatory. That’s the planned approach.”
Earlier this month, the German chancellor declared his intention to transform the Bundeswehr into the “strongest army” in Europe, shortly after the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.
“The federal government will provide all the financial resources that the Bundeswehr needs to become the strongest conventional army in Europe,” Merz stated. “Our friends and partners expect this from us – and, in fact, they are demanding it.”
NATO is reportedly urging Germany to significantly increase its military strength. Die Welt reported last week that officials believe Germany, already facing high dropout rates, will struggle to meet the proposed targets. Pistorius stated that Germany must be able to mobilize a total force of 460,000 soldiers and reservists, including at least 200,000 active-duty personnel.
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