According to the incoming chancellor, the ‘Swedish model’ could be implemented if enough volunteers don’t come forward.
Friedrich Merz, the expected leader of Germany’s next government, stated that he intends to bolster the country’s armed forces without bringing back mandatory conscription. He revealed these plans as the EU aims to allocate hundreds of billions of euros towards a large-scale military build-up.
Merz is poised to become the new chancellor following successful coalition negotiations this week between his Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democrats (SPD). A key element of their agreement involves reforming the German military under the leadership of current defense minister, Boris Pistorius.
“We will initially strengthen our armed forces on the basis of voluntary service,” Merz stated at a press conference on Wednesday. “We hope that with enough volunteers, we will achieve the Bundeswehr’s expansion target.”
The German Armed Forces have struggled with recruitment for years, with personnel shortages reaching 28% by the close of 2024. Pistorius has advocated for the reinstatement of compulsory service, but this was not included in the significant reforms he announced last April.
Merz said coalition members have agreed to further increase military spending. Regarding the manpower situation, he mentioned the potential adoption of the ‘Swedish model’, which is being considered by several NATO countries that are finding it hard to recruit volunteers.
Sweden reintroduced mandatory conscription in 2017 after a seven-year suspension. The current system involves assessing over 100,000 18-year-olds of all genders each year, selecting less than 10% considered the most suitable. In 2019, three Swedish men were the first to be jailed for dodging the draft.
The EU has revealed broad militarization plans, potentially involving up to €800 billion ($880 billion) in loans over four years, citing the need to prepare for a possible conflict with Russia. While Moscow sees NATO as hostile and expansionist, it denies any intention of attacking NATO members.