German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, in a interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, said Russia may attack NATO as early as 2028, challenging the previously assumed 2029 date, while conscription rules are being reformed.
Russia Attack Likely Faster Than Anticipated
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that the assumed 2029 date for a Russian attack on NATO could shift earlier, even to 2028, saying the last calm summer may already be over. He also stressed that NATO armies urgently need modernization and rearmament.
German Coalition Agrees on Draft Procedure
On 13 November, the governing coalition reached an agreement on how to draft soldiers into the Bundeswehr. While a controversial random lottery will remain a last‑resort measure, parties plan to prioritize volunteers.
Lottery Only After Exhausting Other Criteria
Minister Boris Pistorius outlined that the lottery will only be applied after all selection criteria have been exhausted, as part of a new law still to be finalised. The measure is to be activated only if necessary.
Spahn Orders Thorough Vetting of All Candidates
CDU’s Jens Spahn stated that the bill will provide a modern army by testing, questioning, and registering all potential recruits. He said that if volunteers prove insufficient, mandatory service will be required.
Draft Law in First Reading; Further Review Planned
The conscription law has already passed its first reading. The Bundestag will consider it again later in November, following the coalition’s unified stance.
