# Germany’s cabinet has approved steps to boost recruitment for the armed forces and strengthen military readiness in the face of high tensions between NATO and Russia. Chancellor Friedrich Merz labelled Russia “the greatest threat to freedom, peace and stability in Europe” and stressed that Germany “must have the largest conventional army on the European side of NATO”. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the recruitment drive aimed to attract volunteers to the Bundeswehr but the proposal also includes provisions for compulsory service in case numbers fall short in coming years.
Germany wants to build armed forces as tensions rise between NATO and Russia