German parliament passes controversial military service law

(CLO) The German Parliament passed a controversial military service law on December 5, aiming to increase troop numbers and meet NATO's military goals.

The law, passed after months of heated debate, introduces a dual system: a volunteer service with higher benefits to attract young recruits, but if numbers are not enough, lawmakers can trigger mandatory military service based on need.

This would require a separate vote in the German parliament and could involve random selection if more people qualify than are needed. The German defence ministry will report recruitment figures to the German parliament every six months.

German Army. Screenshot

The bill sets ambitious expansion targets for the German Army (Bundeswehr), aiming for up to 260,000 active-duty personnel – up from 183,000 currently – and at least 200,000 reservists by 2035.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the aim of the new conscription law was to encourage more young men to volunteer.

One incentive is higher pay: Starting in early 2026, new recruits will receive a monthly salary of 2,600 euros before tax. In return, they must serve in the army for at least six months. Those who commit to serving for at least 12 months will also receive a subsidized driving lesson.

In a move unprecedented since conscription was suspended in Germany in 2011, all men born after January 1, 2008, will be medically assessed, subject to eligibility. Both men and women aged 18 will be required to declare their readiness to serve.

Opposition to military service is growing in Germany, with more and more people taking advantage of the right to “conscientious objection”. By the end of October, German authorities had received more than 3,000 applications to refuse military service on this basis – a record high since conscription was suspended in 2011.

Germany's move to reopen conscription laws is in line with a broader European trend. France, Italy and Belgium have also expanded voluntary military service, while Nordic and Baltic states have increased conscription after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in 2022.

Source: https://congluan.vn/quoc-hoi-duc-thong-qua-luat-nghia-vu-quan-su-gay-tranh-cai-10321563.html