Germany's defence force is changing its recruitment rules for new soldiers, if the proposal put forward by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Wednesday is approved.
The proposal means that young men will have to register for potential military service – but active service remains largely voluntary.
Women can also register, but entirely voluntarily.
Social Democrat Boris Pistorius said the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine was a reason for the change. He stated that the situation is now completely different from just a few years ago, and that the situation could deteriorate:
According to all international military experts, Russia could be capable of attacking a NATO country by 2029.
Germany abolished conscription in 2011. Last year, 18,800 recruits were signed up to the Bundeswehr defence force, and with the new proposal, the defence force hopes to increase that figure by 5,000 per year.
The decision on compulsory registration affects men who complete their schooling. The form will include an expression of interest and a health declaration.
