Overview

• The Bundestag is set to debate the 2024 annual report and confirm Henning Otte as the new Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces this week.
• Germany's new military service model, launching before summer, will initially rely on voluntary enlistment but may include compulsory elements if recruitment goals are not met.
• The Bundeswehr remains far from its target of 203,000 active soldiers by 2031, with current personnel levels stagnating at approximately 180,000.
• Outgoing commissioner Eva Högl emphasized the need for structural reforms, including addressing the underrepresentation of women, who make up only 13% of the force.
• Female soldiers face persistent challenges, including inadequate uniforms, insufficient facilities, and incidents of sexual assault, highlighting the need for targeted improvements.