Germany has announced new incentives to boost military recruitment, including free driving licenses and a monthly stipend of €2,600, as part of its response to the growing Russia threat. This decision comes in the wake of pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump on Europe to increase defense spending, which has seen results in the continent’s economic engine, the Federal Republic of Germany.
Germany’s coalition government, led by the 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. These measures aim to address the increasing security risks posed by Russia to the European continent.
The incentives include free access to driving licenses, which can cost several thousand dollars. Additionally, the existing pre-tax salary at the starting level has been increased to around $3,000 a month. This financial support is intended to make military service more attractive to potential recruits.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has taken the helm of Germany’s government, has expressed a clear vision for transforming Germany’s armed forces into