Germany’s government advances legislation to expand Bundeswehr capabilities and streamline military infrastructure projects.

The German Cabinet has approved two legislative packages aimed at accelerating the Bundeswehr’s readiness and growth. The first, the Reserve Strengthening Act, introduces mandatory service for reservists even outside crisis periods, a significant shift from the previous policy allowing such obligations only during exercises. This move is driven by Europe’s evolving security landscape, which the government argues necessitates rapid military expansion. The Bundeswehr aims to grow from its current 186,000 active soldiers and 100,000 reservists to 260,000 active personnel and 200,000 reservists by the mid-2030s.

The second legislative package, the Bundeswehr Infrastructure Acceleration Act, prioritizes military construction projects by designating them as matters of ‘overriding public interest.’ This classification will expedite approval processes, even over environmental concerns, and streamline legal challenges by routing them directly to the Federal Administrative Court. Financial incentives for small and medium-sized businesses, improved travel reimbursements for reservists, and higher overseas allowances are also included to address employer concerns over mandatory employee release for reserve duties. Both proposals must still pass through the Bundestag and Bundesrat for final approval.