Overview

• The Union moved to postpone the planned first reading, with the item expected to be removed from Monday’s agenda and a weekend agreement seen as unlikely, according to party sources.
• The cabinet-backed draft from August would introduce registration of young men and start with a voluntary service model that includes measures to make enlistment more attractive.
• CDU/CSU leaders argue the proposal lacks clear conditions for converting voluntary enlistment into mandatory call-ups and want thresholds tied to troop levels explicitly defined.
• Defense policy spokesman Thomas Erndl said the expansion of the Bundeswehr and reserves must be addressed now and urged a quick common line with the SPD.
• Germany currently has about 181,150 active soldiers, compared with planning goals of roughly 260,000 active personnel and 200,000 reservists under new NATO guidance.