Berlin, 11 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Germany plans to launch a new voluntary military service model later this year, with initial steps including restarting military registration and monitoring procedures, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said.

"Once the legislative process is complete, we can begin taking in and training the first conscripts," he told dpa, adding that around 5,000 new service members are expected to join in the first year.

The Social Democrat politician said the groundwork had been laid in recent months, enabling the next steps to follow swiftly once a new government is in place.

The coalition agreement between the Social Democrats (SPD) and the conservative CDU/CSU bloc - made up of Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) - calls for the launch of a new military service model, initially on a voluntary basis.

"We assume that an attractive service model will bring in enough volunteers," Pistorius, who is expected to remain in office, said. "If that is not the case at some point, a decision will have to be made on whether to mandate conscription for young men."

Germany suspended compulsory military and civilian service in 2011 after 55 years, dismantling all relevant structures. However, the law allowing conscription for men remains in place and could be activated in the event of a national emergency.

Pistorius said the goal was to begin the new military service model within the year. The SPD and CDU/CSU agree on the need to expand Germany's military, known as the Bundeswehr — not only the standing forces of around 180,000 men and women, but also the reserves, he said.

However, he warned that the Bundeswehr no longer has the capacities it did 30 years ago, citing shortages in beds, barracks, instructors and equipment.

Pistorius sees coalition deal speeding up defence projects

Pistorius said he sees the coalition deal as a chance to speed up defence procurement and infrastructure projects, pointing to plans to simplify military construction permits and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for the military.

The defence minister said prioritizing military infrastructure projects was essential to strengthening national security and defence capabilities and projects must move faster to be able to expand troop numbers and accommodate new weapons systems.

He also pointed to joint European efforts to boost domestic defence production and development as key to improving military readiness and supporting local industry.

While ruling out full independence from the United States within the next decade, Pistorius reaffirmed Germany's commitment to NATO and the trans-Atlantic alliance.

He said European allies should aim for greater self-reliance in defence matters and acknowledged that such a shift should have begun earlier.

MIA file photo