German Bundestag approves military reform: Aiming for 460,000 troops

WISE NEWS PRESS / BERLIN, GERMANY — DEC. 5, 2025

The German Bundestag today approved the "Modernization of Military Service" act, a significant legislative move designed to strengthen the personnel structure of the Bundeswehr in response to shifting security dynamics and increased threat perceptions.

The new law, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, reintroduces mandatory military registration and medical examinations for men turning 18. The legislation aims to increase the armed forces' strength to 460,000 personnel, including reservists, by 2035. The bill passed with 323 votes in favor, 272 against, and one abstention.

Mandatory registration process

Under the new system, military service remains primarily voluntary, but the state will take a more active role in identifying potential recruits. Registration and medical screenings will become mandatory for all males born in or after January 2008.

Starting in mid-January, questionnaires will be sent to all young adults turning 18. Men are required to complete the forms—which cover education, health status, and willingness to serve—while women may do so voluntarily. This data will be consolidated in a central database to enhance the military's readiness capabilities.

Incentives and financial benefits

To encourage enlistment, the government has introduced a package of financial incentives. The minimum service duration is set at six months, with voluntary conscripts receiving a gross monthly salary of €2,600. An additional €115 per month will be paid per child for soldiers who are parents.

Those who extend their service to at least 12 months will see their gross salary rise to €2,700 and will receive between €3,500 and €5,000 in subsidies to obtain civilian driving licenses.

Political goals and opposition

Speaking before the vote, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the necessity of individual responsibility in safeguarding democracy. "These freedoms do not protect themselves; those willing to fight must protect these rights," Pistorius stated.

The reform aligns with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s pledge to transform the Bundeswehr into "Europe's strongest conventional army." While the goal is to expand the current force of 183,000 troops, the law has faced opposition from the Left Party and student organizations, who organized school boycotts across several cities to protest the re-militarization policies.

The legislation is projected to cost €495 million in 2026, rising to €849 million by 2029. Should voluntary recruitment fail to meet targets, the government retains the option to propose further legislation to reinstate full conscription.

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