German lawmakers approve conscription as Europe aims to counter Russia

On Friday, Germanys Bundestag approved legislation that sets the stage for potential conscription, as escalating concerns over Russia prompt European nations to seek greater defense autonomy from the United States. The bill was passed with a clear majority: 323 lawmakers supported it, 272 opposed, and one abstained.

The initiative aims to expand the size of Germanys armed forces to 260,000 active-duty personnel, up from the current 180,000, alongside an additional 200,000 reservists by 2035.

Importantly, the legislation does not immediately enforce compulsory military service. Instead, it encourages voluntary enlistment by offering incentives such as a starting monthly salary of 2,600 ($3,000), which represents a 450 increase over the present rate. Should the recruitment targets not be met, the government can implement a needs-based conscription, known in Germany as Bedarfswehrpflicht, pending approval of a supplementary law in parliament.

Author: Noah Whitman