Germany is taking steps to strengthen its military response to increasing threats from Russia by introducing incentives for voluntary military service. These include the offer of free driving licenses and a rise in monthly pre-tax pay to around €2,600. This decision comes amidst pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocated for European nations, particularly Germany, to increase their defense spending during his presidency. The measures are seen as part of a larger shift toward a more robust defense posture for the country.
Germany’s coalition government — Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union and the Social Democrats — has agreed to a new system of incentives for voluntary military service after a heated debate last week to address the growing Russia threat to the European continent. The incentives aim to attract more young people to join the German armed forces, as the country’s current military capabilities are seen as insufficient to counter potential threats from neighboring countries.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the head of the CDU party, has expressed a strong commitment to transforming Germany’s armed forces into