On 27 August 2025, the German Federal Cabinet adopted the draft Wehrdienst-Modernisierungsgesetz (Modernization of Military Service Act). The initiative is presented by the German government as a key step to strengthen the Bundeswehr’s personnel base and to move closer to NATO’s long-term capability targets.

The draft law focuses on the introduction of a new, purely voluntary model of military service. Through this approach, the government aims to expand the number of professional and time-limited soldiers in the coming years. By 2035, Germany seeks to increase personnel significantly to ensure the Bundeswehr can fulfil its national and international commitments.

The Deutscher BundeswehrVerband (DBwV), EUROMIL’s member association in Germany, has raised strong concerns about the draft law. DBwV Chairman Colonel André Wüstner described the decision as a “reckless bet on the future.” He questioned whether voluntary recruitment alone can deliver the numbers required, particularly in light of NATO’s personnel goals.

DBwV also criticised the absence of a clear mechanism to shift from voluntary to compulsory service in case recruitment targets are not achieved. According to Wüstner, this gap risks leaving Germany unprepared in an increasingly uncertain security environment. The association has further called for a broader societal debate on resilience and service obligations, underlining that defence preparedness must be firmly anchored in society.

EUROMIL follows this debate closely as part of its ongoing monitoring of national personnel policies and the role of member associations in shaping defence reforms across Europe.

🔗 Read the full DBwV statement (in German): dbwv.de

Picture: picture alliance/dpa/Michael Kappeler and DBwV