German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius believes that conscription of young men would send a deterrent signal to Russia.

Source: German newspaper Der Spiegel, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Pistorius stated that if Germany "calls up all men of a certain age again" and collects data on everyone fit for military service, Russia will notice it.

"In other words, this also acts as a deterrent," he emphasised.

Pistorius added that in the event of a defensive situation, which "must be prevented", conscription, suspended in 2011, would be immediately reinstated in accordance with Germany's Basic Law.

"Then we need to know who is ready for action and who is not," Pistorius said.

He also called the abolition of district military enlistment offices linked to the suspension of conscription a serious mistake.

"We are now building new, modern structures. We will be ready by mid-2027. Then we will be able to conduct nationwide conscription again," he said.

Pistorius intends to follow the plan to enact the Military Service Law at the start of 2026 and expressed optimism about reaching agreement with parliamentary factions.

"I am confident we can achieve this. Everyone in the Bundestag knows that this is about Germany's security," he added.

Background:

• On 14 October, Germany's coalition parties agreed on changes to the planned conscription model involving the use of a lottery system.
• The principle is that if there are insufficient volunteers for military service, conscripts will be selected by lottery from those who have completed a registration form. Service will last six months.
• Pistorius will provide data on the required number of conscripts.
• The Bundestag's first reading of the bill on new conscription rules was scheduled for 9 October but was postponed due to ongoing disputes.
• The bill proposed by Pistorius does not provide for the immediate restoration of compulsory military service in Germany. Under the bill, from 2026 all young German citizens will receive a form to express their willingness to serve in the Bundeswehr. Completing the form will be mandatory for men and voluntary for women.

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