German defence minister plans mandatory exercises for reservists

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius plans to make reservists take part in military exercises as Berlin seeks to expand the Bundeswehr, the country's armed forces, in response to a changed security situation in Europe.

Pistorius confirmed that his ministry is preparing draft legislation under which reservists would in future be required to serve even in peacetime.

"Military service is voluntary," Pistorius said on Thursday in the Canadian city of Montreal on the sidelines of a visit to defence companies. But anyone who signs up knows "that this then creates an obligation to take part in reserve exercises afterwards," he said.

This had also been the case well into the 1990s, Pistorius added.

The minister pointed to the task of building a reserve force of 200,000 men and women to complement the planned 260,000 active troops. Much of that reserve is to be recruited through the new voluntary military service model.

Pistorius said reserve exercises should be meaningful for those taking part, but the system could not rely purely on volunteers. "That is why there will be an obligation," he said.

The plans also include an obligation for employers to release staff for reserve exercises, to an extent.

"That was also the case in the past. It is the only way to ensure the reliable, stable development of a new reserve," Pistorius said. "Employers may forgive me."

Germany introduced a voluntary military service programme last year in an effort to raise troop numbers in response to Russia's war in Ukraine and new NATO targets.

The law, which took effect on January 1, aims to recruit volunteers to expand the armed forces. If recruitment targets are not met, however, parliament could decide to reinstate compulsory military service.