Overview

• Starting January 1, 2026, the government would send service-interest questionnaires to young men and women, mandatory for men and voluntary for women.
• From July 1, 2027, all 18-year-old men would undergo a compulsory medical exam even if they do not volunteer for service.
• Defence Minister Boris Pistorius set goals of at least 260,000 troops and 200,000 operational reservists, up from about 182,000 soldiers and 49,000 reservists.
• Incentives to attract volunteers include social-media outreach, a minimum monthly salary of €2,300, free healthcare, and help obtaining a driving licence.
• The cabinet also approved creating a national security council and stronger protections against cyberattacks and sabotage, as Chancellor Merz cast Russia as Europe’s primary long-term threat.