Overview

• Union and SPD have reportedly agreed in principle to select candidates by lottery from all young men who complete a mandatory questionnaire.
• If voluntary enlistment falls short, those drawn by lot could be obliged to serve for at least six months.
• The approach is modeled in part on Denmark to reduce the number of medical examinations and address fairness concerns.
• Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is expected to specify how many conscripts are needed and when, and his acceptance of the plan is not yet clear.
• A cabinet-approved draft already allows call-ups with Bundestag consent in a rapid buildup, while CDU/CSU push for a more binding mechanism, with coalition talks Tuesday, a public briefing Wednesday and a possible first reading Thursday.