Germany’s opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has voiced concerns regarding the proposed model for a revamped national service scheme currently under consideration by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and his cabinet. Thomas Röwekamp, Chairman of the Defence Committee, signaled intentions to introduce amendments during the parliamentary process.
Röwekamp, in statements to the “Rheinische Post” on Monday, expressed the view that the current draft legislation does not adequately address prevailing security policy challenges. He highlighted a significant shortfall in personnel, noting that Germany currently lacks over 80,000 professional and temporary soldiers, alongside 140,000 reservists, in order to meet both national defense requirements and NATO commitments.
The CDU Chairman expressed skepticism that these gaps can be filled through voluntary participation alone, suggesting a potential revival of conscription may be necessary. He advocated for the establishment of progressive, annual targets for personnel growth and the inclusion of an automatic mechanism within the legislation to trigger compulsory service if these targets are not met.
Röwekamp referenced the “Swedish model” – which also informed Minister Pistorius’ reform proposals – as a potential framework for this automatic transition. The CDU intends to formally introduce these amendments to the legislation when it is debated in the Bundestag.
