German Military Service Reform: €2600 Salary and Incentives

 

On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Bundestag approved a reform of Germany’s military service system. The plan requires at least six months of service with a starting salary of €2600 plus incentives.

In the roll-call vote, 323 lawmakers supported the bill, while 272 opposed it, and one abstained.

The Bundesrat is expected to review the law before Christmas.

The reform introduces mandatory registration of young men for military service, but actual service remains voluntary for now. The Bundestag retains the option to impose compulsory service if recruitment targets are not met.

After disputes within the governing coalition of the conservative bloc (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), a clause was added allowing parliament to enforce mandatory service “if necessary.”

Sources - Agencies