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Germany is to bring back voluntary military service after a controversial new law was passed in the Bundestag. The legislation passed by the German parliament on Friday introduces a two-track system, offering a lucrative voluntary military service aimed at attracting new recruits.
However, if recruitment is not sufficient, the bill allows for the introduction of needs-based military conscription. This would require a special vote in parliament and could involve random selection if more citizens are eligible than needed.
All 18-year-olds in Germany will be sent a request in January, asking if they are interested and would like to join the country's military.
It is planned to be mandatory for men to respond and, in an unprecedented measure since Germany suspended military conscription in 2011, will see all men born after January 1, 2008, undergo a medical assessment, which will be gradually implemented according to capacity.
The bill sets expansion targets for the Bundeswehr, meaning federal defense, with a target of up to 260,000 active soldiers, up from the current 183,000, and at least 200,000 reservists by 2035.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told lawmakers that "our allies are looking at Germany" and argued that the country has become a "pacemaker for defense in Europe."
He added that with the new legislation, "we are taking a further decisive step for our defence capability." However, the decision has already been met with protests from young people, with opposition politicians calling for further action.
Desiree Becker of the Left Party said young people should “strike against the return of military conscription” and be informed about conscientious objection. It comes after French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a new military service plan to strengthen its armed forces in response to the threat posed by Russia.
Volunteers aged 18 and 19 will begin serving next year in a 10-month military service program, only in mainland France and overseas territories. France abolished compulsory conscription in 1996 and is not considering reintroducing it.
Macron told French media: " There is a generation ready to rise up for the fatherland. We cannot go back to the time of military conscription, but we need mobilization. Our young people will have to participate in at least one commemorative ceremony a year in each school. We will encourage students to complete their second-year internships in our armed forces."
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