Germany is considering letting foreigners fight in its army as it prepares to spend up to EUR 100 billion to beef up defences as war rages between nearby Russia and Ukraine.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said that the reluctance of Germans to sign up means that it makes sense to allow foreigners to join the Bundeswehr.
Local media said that the Bundeswehr has been struggling with recruitment problems for years but the suggestion is somewhat taboo.
He said that applicants who do not have German citizenship should be able to serve in the Armed Forces.
The German military, with its army, navy and air force, once boasted 500,000 members and was one of the most modern militaries in Europe.
But German media say that it is now a shadow of its former self.
The number of citizens volunteering to join the military has plummeted in recent years, but the geopolitical situation in Europe following the Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed perceptions and is forcing a rethink in Germany.
Germany now wants to ramp up its troop numbers with a fund of EUR 100 billion.
But despite throwing money at the problem, there is still a lack of people to volunteer to serve in the Armed Forces, with missions to Afghanistan and Mali, or deployed on NATO’s eastern flank in Lithuania, proving unattractive prospects for potential young recruits.
Ukraine Smugglers Sell Babies To Foreigners For 40k GBP
Defence policy spokeswoman Marie-Agnes Stark-Zimmermann is quoted in German media as saying: “Basically, we have to think in a much more European way when looking for suitable young people who are willing to serve in the Bundeswehr.”
The German opposition is also said to be in favour of the move in principle, with some requests for clarification, including: “Does this option only apply to citizens of EU or NATO states or even beyond? Is complete knowledge of the German language necessary?”
German media has suggested that such a move should be limited to citizens from other EU countries and NATO member states.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
