Union Halts Discussions on Military Service Law, Seeks Clarity

The ongoing debate surrounding the military service law in Germany has taken a significant turn as the Union has decided to suspend discussions on the proposed legislation. This development adds a new layer of complexity to the relationship between the government coalition parties.

In late August, the cabinet had approved a comprehensive package aimed at strengthening the Bundeswehr, which included mandatory military registration and assessments for young men, while the actual conscription would be voluntary. The proposal was hailed by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as a major advancement; however, recent actions by the Union suggest growing concerns about the specifics of the law.

Reports indicate that the CDU/CSU parliamentary group has halted the planned parliamentary reading scheduled for October 9, 2025. Sources within the Union expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity regarding when voluntary service could transition into mandatory conscription. This ambiguity has prompted calls for a more thorough discussion on the future of military recruitment and reserve forces.

Union defense policy spokesperson Thomas Erndl emphasized the necessity for an immediate and comprehensive dialogue regarding the expansion of the Bundeswehr and its reserves. He asserted that it is crucial for both national security and coalition stability to reach a consensus promptly.

The proposed reforms aim to make military service more appealing to younger individuals, addressing the pressing personnel needs identified by the government. The legislation allows new recruits to choose their service duration flexibly, ranging from six to 23 months. All recruits will undergo a standardized training program that prepares them for roles in homeland security, with additional specialized training available for those committing to longer service periods.

Compensation for volunteers is set at approximately EUR2,300 net per month, along with provisions for accommodation and health insurance. Additional benefits include access to language courses, individual training opportunities, and subsidies for obtaining a driver's license. Under the new framework, all military personnel will be classified as temporary soldiers, offering them higher pay than previously available to those serving voluntarily.

Falko Droßmann, a member of the SPD, commented that the postponement of discussions should not be viewed as a crisis but rather as an opportunity to address the Union's concerns. He noted a noticeable increase in voluntary enlistments, indicating that the overall direction of recruitment is positive.

Despite the current halt in discussions, the first reading of the "Military Service Modernization Act" is still on the Bundestag's agenda, although it is expected to be removed shortly. The Union has expressed that the current draft does not fulfill its promises, characterizing it as merely a measure for increasing attractiveness and conducting assessments rather than a genuine modernization of military service.

One critical point of contention remains the need to define the conditions under which voluntary service may no longer suffice, particularly if troop strength falls below a certain threshold. This aspect is considered vital for ensuring the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr in line with NATO requirements, which aim for an increased standing force of approximately 260,000 personnel alongside 200,000 reservists.