Germany’s parliament approved a controversial new military service law on Friday that aims to boost Bundeswehr numbers and meet NATO targets as tensions with Russia spur calls for stronger defense capabilities across Europe.

Axar.az informs, citing Reuters, the legislation, backed after months of heated debate, introduces a dual-track system: a more lucrative voluntary service is intended to attract young recruits, but if enlistment falls short, lawmakers can activate needs-based conscription.

This would require a separate Bundestag vote and could involve random selection if more are eligible than needed.

The defense ministry will report recruitment figures to parliament every six months.

The bill sets ambitious expansion goals for the Bundeswehr, targeting up to 260,000 active soldiers – up from 183,000 currently – and at least 200,000 reservists by 2035.