Berlin (dpa) – The Cabinet has approved a legislative package that provides for mandatory registration and medical examinations of young men for military service, while such service itself is to remain voluntary. The German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius referred to the draft law for introducing a new military service model as a “huge step forward”. If it is granted approval by the Bundestag, the law is to enter into force on 1 January 2026.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the option of conscription that is included in the law for the event that the number of volunteers is not sufficient. “We are now back on track towards a military service army,” Merz said. He added that it was a good decision that he expressly welcomed, and also referred to the threat posed by Russia.
Mandatory military service was suspended in 2011, but it is enshrined in the Basic Law, and can be reintroduced by the Bundestag with an ordinary majority.
The Cabinet also decided to set up a National Security Council as a central instrument that will convene in crisis situations and be able to make quick decisions, as well as drawing up strategies for treat scenarios. The council will be chaired by the Federal Chancellor.
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