Germany: Agreement on Military Service

The parties of the governing coalition in Germany (CDU/CSU, SPD) have reached an agreement on military service, which will remain mainly voluntary, but with elements of mandatory service.

According to reports, all 18-year-olds will complete a special questionnaire and undergo medical examinations. Lists of eligible men will be compiled, from which conscripts will be selected if the Bundestag deems that volunteers are not sufficient.

Official announcements are expected later today.