Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on December 8, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
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Germany's new military service law aims to expand Bundeswehr numbers amid Russian threats, introducing voluntary service and potential conscription.
BERLIN, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Germany's parliament approved a controversial new military service law on Friday that aims to boost Bundeswehr numbers and meet NATO targets as tensions with Russia spur calls for stronger defence capabilities across Europe.
The legislation, backed after months of heated debate, introduces a dual-track system: a more lucrative voluntary service is intended to attract young recruits, but if enlistment falls short, lawmakers can activate needs-based conscription.
This would require a separate Bundestag vote and could involve random selection if more are eligible than needed.
The defence ministry will report recruitment figures to parliament every six months.
The bill sets ambitious expansion goals for the Bundeswehr, targeting up to 260,000 active soldiers - up from 183,000 currently - and at least 200,000 reservists by 2035.
In a move not seen since conscription was suspended in 2011, all men born after January 1, 2008, will undergo medical evaluation, phased in as capacity allows.
Both 18-year-old men and women will receive requests to declare willingness to serve, though only men must respond.
Germany's move follows a broader European trend, as France, Italy and Belgium expand voluntary service while Nordic and Baltic states strengthen mandatory conscription in response to Russian aggression.
(Reporting by Markus Wacket, Writing by Kirsti Knolle, Editing by Friederike Heine)
Military service refers to the service in a country's armed forces. It can be voluntary or mandatory, and it involves training and participation in military operations.
Conscription is the compulsory enlistment of individuals into the armed forces. It is often enacted during times of war or national emergency.
Reservists are military personnel who are not in active service but can be called upon to serve during emergencies or conflicts.
The Bundeswehr is the unified armed forces of Germany, responsible for national defense and participating in international military operations.
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