A former German defense minister has called for the reintroduction of conscription in the country’s military, citing the need for a stronger and more diverse force in the face of new NATO requirements. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, a senior figure in the Christian Democratic Union, told the Tagesspiegel that a re-introduction of conscription, initially only for men, is necessary to meet the country’s military needs.
Kramp-Karrenbauer’s comments come ahead of a NATO defense ministers’ meeting, where decisions are expected to be made to increase the size of the alliance’s military forces. She expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a plan to attract more volunteers to the military, saying that a combination of conscription and voluntary service is needed to achieve the necessary numbers.
The former CDU leader also reiterated her support for the delivery of military aid to Ukraine, including the Taurus missile system, to help the country defend against Russian aggression. This stance differs from that of her successor as CDU party leader, Friedrich Merz, who appears to have backtracked on the issue.
Kramp-Karrenbauer also emphasized the importance of international cooperation, particularly with the Global South, in the face of a new era of protectionism under the US administration of Donald Trump. She called for a more intense exchange with the Global South, including in Africa, to maintain the success of the German economy and its social system.
The former defense minister also highlighted the need for fair agreements on resources and labor with new states, saying that Germany should be more proactive in partnering with African countries to address the challenges of a rapidly changing world. She argued that young people in Germany face a bleak job market due to a lack of skilled workers and that the country should be more open to attracting talent from Africa.
Kramp-Karrenbauer’s proposals, presented to the government last week, emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy on Africa, including education and investment in the continent’s development. She also called for a more proactive approach to attracting skilled workers from Africa, while also supporting the development of the continent’s education system to prepare its young people for the job market in Germany.