Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Germany Approves New Military Service Law
Germany's parliament has approved a new military service law.
This law aims to increase the number of soldiers in the German army, called the Bundeswehr, to meet NATO's requirements.
The law introduces a system where people can choose to join the military voluntarily, but if not enough people join, the government can require some people to serve.
All men born after January 1, 2008, will have to undergo a medical check-up.
The goal is to have 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists by 2035.
This move is part of a broader trend in Europe, where countries are strengthening their military capabilities in response to tensions with Russia.
Germany's parliament approved a new military service law to boost Bundeswehr numbers and meet NATO targets.
The law introduces a dual-track system with voluntary service and potential needs-based conscription.
Target is 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists by 2035, up from 183,000 currently.
All men born after January 1, 2008, will undergo medical evaluation, with phased implementation.
The defence ministry will report recruitment figures to parliament every six months.
- Who
- German parliament, Defence Ministry, NATO, European countries
- What
- Approval of a new military service law
- When
- December 5, 2023
- Where
- Berlin, Germany
- Why
- To boost Bundeswehr numbers and meet NATO targets amid Russian threat
- Legislation Type
- Dual-track system with voluntary and needs-based conscription
- Target Active Soldiers
- 260,000 by 2035
- Current Active Soldiers
- 183,000
- Target Reservists
- 200,000 by 2035
- Medical Evaluation
- All men born after January 1, 2008
- Recruitment Reporting
- Every six months to parliament
- European Context
- Follows trends in France, Italy, Belgium, and Nordic/Baltic states