Germany backs compulsory reservist training to strengthen armed forces
The bill would let the military call up reservists for training without employer consent as Germany seeks faster mobilization and a larger reserve force.
- On Wednesday, the German government approved a draft law allowing the mandatory call-up of military reservists for training, as Defence Minister Boris Pistorius aims to boost troops amid a more aggressive Russia.
- Defence Minister Pistorius argues that reliance on voluntary participation is "no longer sufficient" given the security situation in Europe, warning Germany must become "war-ready" to mobilize forces rapidly.
- The bill abolishes the requirement for both the reservist and the employer to agree to be called up for training, as Germany aims to double its reserve pool to at least 200,000 members and 260,000 active duty soldiers.
- While the German reservists association supports the draft, the German business lobby DIHK requested firms receive at least three months' notice for call-ups, rather than the planned eight weeks.
- Parliament is set to consider the draft after the summer recess, with the ministry expecting the law to come into effect at the start of next year to ensure reservists remain trained should NATO require mobilization.
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14 Articles
The Federal Government wants to speed up the deployment of the Bundeswehr by means of several laws. On the one hand, the construction of military infrastructure is to be accelerated - by exceptions in property and environmental law. On the other hand, reservists will be obliged to do exercises in the future.
The Federal Government wants to debureaucratize the reconstruction of the Bundeswehr. Barracks should be built faster, reservists should be available more easily.
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The Straits TimesGermany backs compulsory reservist training to strengthen armed forces
The German government on Wednesday approved a draft law that would allow the mandatory call-up of military reservists for training as part of plans to boost troops and increase its ability to defend... -July 01, 2026 at 11:49 am EDT MarketScreener
A law adopted by the Federal Cabinet is intended to strengthen the backbone of the Bundeswehr: Reservists are to appear on duty three to twelve weeks a year. Employers warn of production failures.
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