Overview

• Multiple outlets reported a provisional cross-party compromise to introduce a lottery that would select from questionnaire respondents who are mustered and, if volunteer targets fall short, could be conscripted for at least six months.
• The model mirrors Denmark’s system and would start with mandatory questionnaires for men (women may reply voluntarily), with non‑response fined and a smaller pool drawn for muster to limit bureaucracy.
• A planned press conference to unveil the deal was called off after internal SPD pushback and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’s skepticism, leaving both the agreement and this week’s parliamentary timeline uncertain.
• Negotiators want Pistorius to specify recruitment thresholds that would trigger compulsory elements, while the ministry highlights constraints and plans to expand capacity by about 40,000 places and 270 buildings by 2031, with service pay touted at roughly €2,300 net.
• A Union‑commissioned opinion by ex‑constitutional judge Udo Di Fabio argues a lottery could be lawful, but critics cite ‘Wehrgerechtigkeit’ concerns and past court rulings as Greens, the Left and AfD attack the proposal as arbitrary or unjust.