Germany Approves Voluntary Military Service Program for 18-Year-Olds to Strengthen National Defense
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Summary
Germany's parliament has voted to introduce voluntary military service for all 18-year-olds, marking a significant shift in the country's defense policy. The move comes in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's goal to build Europe's strongest conventional army. The program will be voluntary rather than mandatory conscription, representing a major change in Germany's post-World War II military approach.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledGermany's parliament, the Bundestag, has voted to introduce voluntary military service, in a move aimed at boosting national defences after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
It marks a significant shift in Germany's approach to its military and follows Chancellor Friedrich Merz's push to create Europe's strongest conventional army.
The change means that all 18-year-olds in Germany will be eligible for voluntary military service.
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