Frankfurt (Germany), Aug. 26 (LaPresse) – The draft law on military service presented by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is expected to be approved by the Cabinet tomorrow. For the occasion, the Cabinet will exceptionally meet at the Defense Ministry, for the first time in 33 years. Pistorius is focusing on voluntary enlistment and on making service more attractive, also financially, to draw more young people into the Bundeswehr. The Bundeswehr needs about 80,000 additional active soldiers. NATO estimates that around 260,000 will be required to withstand a possible Russian attack. Currently, the Bundeswehr has about 183,000 active soldiers and another 49,000 deployed reservists. The current draft already includes mandatory elements: starting in 2028, all 18-year-old men will be required to undergo at least a medical examination. According to media reports, the Defense Ministry plans to use this information to compile a sort of health report on men of military age. In any case, compulsory conscription—suspended in 2011—would automatically be reinstated in case of tension or defense under Article 2 of the Military Service Act, so that at least men who are not conscientious objectors can be drafted. On Monday, there was some friction after Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) lodged an objection to the bill—with a so-called ministerial reservation—to express the Union’s concerns, temporarily blocking the process. However, following bilateral talks between ministries, he withdrew his reservation. “The crucial points of the initial objection were clarified in today’s discussions,” the Foreign Ministry stated. The bill can now be approved by the government.
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