Germany has rolled out new incentives to encourage military recruitment, including the provision of free driving licenses and an increased monthly salary of approximately €2,600 for volunteers, as part of its response to the growing threat from Russia. These measures are being implemented in the wake of pressure from former President Donald Trump, who advocated for increased defense spending in Europe during his first term. The German coalition government, comprising the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union and the Social Democrats, approved these incentives following a heated debate over their necessity and impact.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized the need to transform Germany’s armed forces into