German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is advocating for a conscription option to be included in the upcoming military service law, which would activate if volunteer enlistment numbers fall short.

This move comes as NATO defense ministers have agreed on the largest rearmament program since the Cold War, necessitating an increase in Germany's active soldiers to 260,000 to meet defense commitments against threats like Russia.

The Bundeswehr has struggled to meet its previous target of 200,000 soldiers, prompting discussions within the coalition government about potentially reinstating conscription, which was suspended in 2011.

While Pistorius is open to the idea of reinstating conscription, he has not made a definitive decision and plans to discuss the law with the government before the summer recess.

To attract new recruits, Pistorius emphasized the need for better pay, improved facilities, and additional incentives, such as free driver's licenses for military personnel.

The Bundeswehr currently has around 15,000 recruits and aims to significantly increase this number, while also expanding active duty personnel from approximately 180,000 to between 250,000 and 260,000.

The suspension of compulsory military service in 2011 has contributed to the current personnel shortages in the Bundeswehr, which is facing a shortfall of about 60,000 soldiers.

Support for the conscription option is echoed by Union politicians, who suggest establishing a mechanism to transition to conscription if recruitment goals are not met.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU has indicated that if voluntary recruitment efforts fail, the coalition may need to reconsider conscription to meet military needs.

Despite the urgency expressed by Pistorius, some members of his party, the SPD, including faction leader Matthias Miersch, remain skeptical about reintroducing conscription, suggesting it should be discussed only in the next legislative term.

This decision comes amid growing concerns regarding the adequacy of Germany's military forces, particularly in light of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The proposed law regarding conscription is set to be discussed and potentially passed by the German government before the summer break.