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Story summary
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to build Europe’s strongest army, aiming to raise personnel from 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035.
- A new bill would introduce voluntary enlistment with incentives, including a starting salary of €2,600.
- If recruitment targets are unmet, mandatory call-ups may be considered.
- The reforms are part of modernizing the Bundeswehr with a €100 billion fund.
- Defense Minister Boris Pistorius supports the reforms.
