The German House of Representatives (Bundestag) passed a bill on nghia vu on December 5 to strengthen the German military's capacity, ending months of intense debate.
The new military service bill in Germany was passed in the context of NATO allies' commitment to increase defense spending and strengthen European defense capabilities amid concerns that the Russia-Ukraine conflict could spread.
Tess Datzer, 18, a protester in the capital, said the new regulation was unfair to her generation for being forced to fight for a country that has done little for us.
There is no investment in pensions, in the future, in the climate. I don't see any legitimate reason for our generation to fight," Tess Datzer told AFP.
protester Ronja Ruh said Germany was spending huge amounts of money on military and weapons, while many basic public services were lacking. In schools, it can be seen that technology is outdated, there is a serious shortage of teachers, and facilities are degraded, she said.
The draft military service bill aims to expand the German armed forces (Bundeswehr), aiming for a scale of 260,000 standing troops, up from the current 183,000, and 200,000 reserve troops by 2035.
The bill also introduces a two-way system to increase recruitment sources: Voluntary military services with more attractive remuneration to attract young people and if the number is not enough, lawmakers can activate the compulsory military service mechanism according to their needs.
To implement this mechanism, lawmakers will have to vote in the Bundestag. If the number of eligible people is more than the demand, the selection can be done randomly.
All men born after January 1, 2008 will undergo a health check-up, a move unprecedented since Germany suspended military service in 2011. Both 18-year-old men and women will be asked about their willingness to serve, but only men are required to answer.
After being approved by the Bundestag, the bill needs to be approved by the Bundesrat (Germany's House of Councilors) later this month before taking effect on January 1, 2026.
Many European countries, including France, Italy, Belgium, the Nordic countries and the Baltic, are expanding their volunteer forces and tightening military service in the context of changing regional geopolitics.
At the end of November, when announcing the restoration of limited military service in France, 25 years after the mandatory ban, President Emmanuel Macron stressed: The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it. We must mobilize and mobilize the whole country to defend ourselves, to be ready and maintain a position of respect".
