Chancellor Merz questions voluntary military service plan DW 10/07/2025
Chancellor Merz doubts the voluntary military service model and suggests conscription may return, intensifying political tensions and delaying parliamentary debate.
German Chancellor Merz suggests a return to conscription DW 10/07/2025
Chancellor Merz doubts a voluntary military service model will remain voluntary, deepening coalition tensions and delaying parliamentary debate on the Bundeswehr recruitment bill.
German government passes military service bill DW 08/27/2025
Germany approved a draft to reintroduce voluntary military service to bolster the Bundeswehr amid an 80,000-soldier shortfall while creating a National Security Council.
Germany hopes it can build up its Army by asking young people really nicely to sign up (and giving them more money)
Germany launches a drive to boost voluntary military service to reach 260,000 active troops and 200,000 reservists amid concerns over Russian aggression.