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17m ago

Wadephul Drops Objection, Clearing Cabinet Path for Wehrdienstgesetz Vote

The government advances a volunteer‑first service model to grow Bundeswehr ranks rather than writing an automatic return to conscription into law.

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Overview

  • After inter‑ministerial talks on Monday, CDU foreign minister Johann Wadephul withdrew his ministerial reservation, allowing Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to present his unchanged draft to the cabinet on Wednesday.
  • The SPD and Pistorius insist the new service begin on a voluntary basis with Bundestag approval required before any compulsory call‑up, rejecting a built‑in automatism.
  • The CDU/CSU says it will push in Parliament for binding recruitment milestones and a trigger that shifts from voluntary service to conscription if targets are missed.
  • The personnel drive is tied to NATO expectations for roughly 260,000 active soldiers, leaving Germany short by about 80,000 troops.
  • Internal planning sets recruitment goals of 15,000 volunteers in 2025, 20,000 in 2026 and up to 33,000 by 2029, with Bundeswehr data showing applicants up 19% in 2024 and first‑half 2025 hires rising nearly 30%.