Germany has taken significant steps to address the growing threat posed by Russia by introducing new incentives to boost military recruitment. The measures include the provision of free driving licenses, which can cost several thousand dollars, and an increase in the pre-tax salary for recruits to approximately €2,600 per month. These initiatives have been approved by the coalition government comprising the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union and the Social Democrats, following a contentious debate that highlighted the urgency of the situation.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a key figure in the government, has emphasized the need for a stronger military presence in Europe. His statement that Germany’s armed forces would be transformed into