Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011. The reintegration of this would mark a reversal of a major policy, driven by the growing threat posed by Russia, associated with growing concern about the reliability of American security guarantees under President Donald Trump.
Pistorius said that the Bundeswehr has approximately 181,500 troops in active service-less than its target of 203,000 by 2031. Recruitment increased by 20% at the beginning of 2025, but “we still have too many people for what our armed forces must accomplish,” he warned.
The new coalition government supports the recruitment campaign. Chancellor Friedrich Merz undertakes today to build “the strongest army in Europe” during his speech at the Bundestag.
Pistorius stressed that Germany would lead alongside the sides of France, the United Kingdom and Poland, adding: “Security in Europe is, above all, the responsibility of the Europeans themselves.”
Politices
