Germany: Boris Pistorius, Popular Defence Minister in Command of German Rearmament

A reform of the military service has been discussed for a long time - with previous plans the focus is voluntary. But Defense Minister Pistorius made it clear again: If this is not enough, a return to military service is also conceivable.

Germany could consider reintroducing compulsory military service as early as next year if it fails to attract enough volunteers for its armed forces, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said.

With a voluntary military service, Schwarz-Rot wants to strengthen the Bundeswehr. However, the Minister of Defence and the Inspector General want to have an emergency solution ready.

German defence minister Boris Pistorius, the only minister of last chancellor Olaf Scholz who has been reappointed, is a symbol alongside the new head of government, Friedrich Merz, of Berlin's willingness to play a central role in Europe on military matters.