Colin B. is an exception among German youth by signing up to serve his country as a volunteer soldier.
Photographer: Fabian Ritter/BloombergGermany Is One Step Closer Toward Reviving Military Conscription
New law risks stoking tensions by asking youth to fight for a system that shows little signs of working for them.
Germany’s economy is stagnating, pension bills are surging, the peace dividend has been exhausted, and global instability is now adding one more risk for the country’s youth: military service.
A law headed for cabinet approval on Wednesday seeks to boost Bundeswehr recruitment to help deter Russia and defend European allies. Enlistment will be voluntary at first, but the legislation includes a provision that could revive conscription if numbers fall short.