Germany¡¯s economy is stagnating, pension bills are surging, the peace dividend has been exhausted, and global instability is now adding one more risk for the country¡¯s youth: military service.
A law headed for Cabinet approval on Wednesday seeks to boost Bundeswehr recruitment to help deter Russia and defend European allies. Enlistment will be voluntary at first, but the legislation includes a provision that could revive conscription if numbers fall short.
Despite the high wages at one of Europe¡¯s best-paid armed forces, Germany¡¯s military recruitment last year was less than half the rate targeted by 2031. Sluggish enlistment and high dropout rates have put pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz¡¯s administration to act, and talks over security guarantees in Ukraine ¡ª which would ultimately involve allied troops ¡ª add even more urgency.
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