Germany's coalition government has approved incentives to boost voluntary military recruitment amid growing concern over Russia. Measures include free driving licences for recruits and a rise in pre-tax starting pay to about $3,000 per month. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and CDU leader Jens Spahn say the changes aim to build a stronger conventional army; Spahn warned conscription could be reinstated if voluntary enlistment falls short. U.S. commentators view the steps as a significant shift toward greater European defence responsibility.
Germany Unveils Free Driving Licences and Higher Pay to Boost Military Recruitment Amid Russia Tensions
Germany's coalition government has approved incentives to boost voluntary military recruitment amid growing concern over Russia. Measures include free driving licences for recruits and a rise in pre-tax starting pay to about $3,000 per month. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and CDU leader Jens Spahn say the changes aim to build a stronger conventional army; Spahn warned conscription could be reinstated if voluntary enlistment falls short. U.S. commentators view the steps as a significant shift toward greater European defence responsibility.
12:41 AM, 11/20/2025Security
Germany's coalition government has approved a package of incentives designed to increase voluntary enlistment in the Bundeswehr as tensions with Russia grow. The measures aim to expand recruitment quickly and improve the appeal of military service for young people.
Key measures
The incentive package includes free access to driving licences for recruits — a tangible benefit given that licences can cost thousands of dollars — and an increase in pre-tax starting pay for new soldiers to roughly $3,000 per month. Officials say these steps are intended to both raise enlistment numbers and attract higher-quality candidates.
Political context
Conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared an ambition to build "Europe's strongest conventional army." Jens Spahn, the CDU parliamentary leader, told reporters the government wants to "win over as many young people as possible" for military service. Spahn cautioned that if voluntary recruitment does not deliver sufficient personnel, the government may have to consider reinstating compulsory conscription, a move that would require new legislation.
International reaction and expert views
The policy shift follows years of international pressure — including appeals from former U.S. officials — for European countries to shoulder more of their own defence burden. Some commentators in the United States have welcomed Berlin's decision as a belated but necessary step toward greater European self-reliance.
"Europe is finally beginning to contemplate defense in a more serious way," said David Wurmser, a former U.S. Navy Reserve intelligence officer and adviser on Middle East strategy. He described recent events in Europe and the Middle East as part of a wider global competition and called Germany's measures a symbolic first step.
What comes next
Officials will need to ensure the incentives deliver measurable increases in recruitment and retention. If the voluntary programme fails to meet targets, reinstating conscription remains an option on the legislative table to guarantee sufficient manpower for Germany's armed forces.