After months of delays, Germany’s ruling coalition parties said on Thursday they had agreed to military service on a voluntary basis, to strengthen an army short of new recruits.
During these long negotiations, there was talk of reintroducing a form of conscription for men by drawing lots. However, the alliance between the conservative CDU and the social democratic SPD finally agreed to a non-coercive version.
Questionnaire for men aged 18 years
According to the new text, which has not yet been presented to Parliament, all 18-year-old men must undergo a medical examination and fill out a questionnaire regarding their availability and willingness to serve in the military.
The move will allow an increase in the number of volunteers, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to build the most powerful conventional army in Europe, to counter the Russian threat and compensate for American disengagement.
More interesting balance
The bill, proposed by Social Democratic Party (SPD) Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, excludes the use of a lottery to recruit German citizens if the number of volunteers is insufficient.
He called for a more attractive service, in particular an increase in salaries: in the future, conscripts will be paid like temporary soldiers and will thus receive more than 2,600 euros gross per month, according to Der Spiegel. Plus free maintenance, the possibility of getting a driver’s license and other benefits.
Mandatory service as a “last resort”
But the idea of a form of conscription, supported by conservatives, could still be brought back, according to Jens Spahn, head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. “If voluntary service is ultimately not enough, then mandatory service is also necessary,” assessed the elected official. However new laws must be adopted.
Matthias Miersch, head of the Social Democrats’ parliamentary group, said he was “confident” that the Bundeswehr would gain enough new members. Compulsory service is a “last resort”, added Minister Boris Pistorius.
Germany’s intelligence agency warned of the threat of a “direct military conflict” with NATO provoked by Russia, which could occur before 2029.
While visiting the NATO base in Geilenkirchen, western Germany, on Thursday, Alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte said he was “pleased to learn that the coalition (government) in Germany has now agreed (…) on the way forward.”
NATO’s goal is for Germany to increase its military strength to 460,000 troops, including 260,000 active military personnel and 200,000 reserve troops. The Bundeswehr falls short of those numbers, with 182,000 and 49,000 troops in each category respectively.
