Germany's Bundestag passes new military service model: 'Conscription could return'

Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, has passed a controversial new military service model with a dual-track system:

• A lucrative voluntary service
• Activation of need-based conscription if needed

The development comes after weeks of heated debate in parliament amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the intensifying pressure from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to boost defenses.

The government aims to increase the number of troops from the current 183,000 to 260,000 active soldiers. They also plan to build a force of 200,000 reservists by 2035.

The Ministry of Defence will have to update parliament about the numbers every six months and if needed, the Bundestag, with a separate vote, can activate need-based conscription nearly 15-years after ending it. The conscription in Germany was suspended in 2011.

Conscription is compulsory enlistment for state service, typically into the armed forces.

Under the new law, every male born after January 1, 2008, is now required to undergo medical evaluation to determine their fitness for German Armed Forces.

Every 18-year-old, including males and females, will be asked to express willingness to serve, but only men will be required to respond.

This comes amid intensifying tensions with Russia as President Vladimir Putin recently stated that his country is ready for a war with Europe.

Germany is following the example of several other European countries, such as France, Belgium and Italy, which are ramping up their defenses to get ready for a possible aggression.