Negotiations surrounding the proposed new German conscription law are ongoing, with differing perspectives emerging from within the parliamentary landscape. Siemtje Möller, Deputy Chair of the SPD parliamentary group, expressed cautious optimism regarding the legislative process, acknowledging the fluidity of agenda setting. According to Möller, shifts in timelines are typical and the expectation is that a first reading and subsequent adoption of the law will occur before the end of the year. This aims to provide the Bundeswehr with planning certainty and facilitate the commencement of the new conscription system as early as next year.
However, concerns have been raised by Henning Otte, the German Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces. Otte voiced reservations about the conscription plans put forward by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD). He noted that the existing coalition agreement prioritizes a continued reliance on voluntary military service, questioning its viability and appropriateness given the current geopolitical situation.
Otte suggested that the parliamentary debate could explore options for a gradual transition towards more compulsory elements within the new conscription framework, should the initial voluntary system prove insufficient. He emphasized the critical need to ensure that any new conscription model strengthens the armed forces and avoids placing undue strain on personnel. While acknowledging that mandatory service wouldn’t represent a singular solution, Otte suggested it could be a significant component of a broader security policy strategy.