The German government passed a proposal aimed at encouraging military service to address a shortfall of around 80,000 active Bundeswehr soldiers. The Cabinet greenlit a draft bill for voluntary military service more than a decade after suspending compulsory duty and approved the creation of a National Security Council. Activists blocked an army careers office in Cologne during government discussions on boosting recruitment. The defense ministry emphasized expanding industrial production, with a new Rheinmetall factory intended to supply Ukraine, Germany, and NATO partners and to replenish allied stockpiles rapidly.
Pistorius said Germany is "ramping up capacity, industry, and production capacity [...] at record speed so that we can supply Ukraine and help replenish the stocks of NATO partners." He said that "sending the signal that we can do it faster, we want to do it faster" is "crucial [...] for the resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces." Pistorius toured the facility with Rheinmetall head Armin Papperger
The German government passed a proposal seeking to encourage military service, as it looks to bolster troop numbers. Meanwhile, protesters blocked a military recruitment office in Cologne. The Bundeswehr needs around 80,000 additional active soldiers, and Merz's government has committed to seeking voluntary military service for nowImage: Malin Wunderlich/dpa/picture alliance Skip next section What you need to know German Cabinet greenlights voluntary military service draft bill, more than a decade after suspending compulsory duty
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