US EditionGermany Votes to Bring in Voluntary Military Service Programme for 18-Year-Olds
The Bundestag approved a plan requiring all 18-year-old men to receive questionnaires from January 2026, with a €2,600 monthly salary offered to volunteers, aiming to strengthen national defense.
- Germany's Bundestag voted to reintroduce voluntary military service for 18‑year‑olds, approving the measure by 323 votes to 272.
- Given Germany's post‑Cold War drawdown and the end of conscription in 2011, Chancellor Friedrich Merz pushed to rebuild the Bundeswehr amid perceived threats and US White House pressure.
- All 18‑year‑olds will be sent a questionnaire and receive a promised salary of 2,600 with medical checks, according to Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
- Students and opponents mobilised, planning strikes in up to 90 cities on Friday, while a coalition's slender 12‑vote majority and The Left party's abstention narrowly averted a government crisis.
- Lawmakers say the scheme remains voluntary but could become compulsory if needed, aiming to grow the Bundeswehr from around 182,000 by 20,000 next year toward 260,000 with about 200,000 reservists, aligning with France's recent move last month.
45 Articles
45 Articles
German Lawmakers Back Voluntary Military Service Law, Leave Open Possibility of Conscription
German lawmakers on Dec. 5 backed the government’s plans to create a legal framework for a “new, attractive military service,” aimed at boosting the number of people in the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces. The law was passed in Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag—323 in favor to 272 against, with one abstention. It stops short of conscription but leaves the option open in the event that a voluntary drive fails to produce the required numbers…
Germany Approves Voluntary Military Service For 18-Year-Olds
Germany is bringing back military service — sort of. The Bundestag has voted to introduce voluntary service for 18-year-olds. This move is aimed at boosting national defence after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.But will young Germans actually line up? Many aren’t convinced. Students across 90 cities plan strikes on Friday, saying they don’t want to “spend half a year locked up in barracks, learning to kill.”The law marks a sharp shift. Germany scr…
The German parliament has approved a legislative proposal for voluntary military service with the aim of increasing the number of soldiers. Thousands of young people have protested against it across Germany. The proposal still needs to be decided by the Bundesrat.
Bundestag Approves Voluntary Military Service for 18-Year-Olds
Germany’s parliament has voted to introduce voluntary military service, a major shift aimed at strengthening national defence in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Backed by 323 votes to 272, the plan is central to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s ambition to build Europe’s strongest conventional army. Under the new system, all 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire from January 2026 asking if they are willing to join the armed forces. Comp…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
