BERLIN

Germany's parliament began debating legislation Thursday to reform military service, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition partners divided on whether to implement a lottery system if voluntary recruitment falls short.

The proposed law would require 18-year-old men to complete a questionnaire about their qualifications, fitness and willingness to serve. The measure aims to boost military personnel to 260,000 soldiers by 2035 to meet NATO targets, a goal requiring approximately 20,000 recruits annually.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told lawmakers Thursday that the new system would initially remain voluntary, as outlined in the coalition agreement earlier this year. He expressed confidence that it would enable the military to recruit sufficient personnel.

"We need to make military service more attractive and motivating for young people," said the Social Democrat minister. "To achieve that goal, we are incorporating modern training methods. We are creating flexible enlistment periods and ensuring significantly better pay. This comprehensive package will bring success.”

Pistorius said he is open to discussing proposals from political parties. He stressed that the issue deserves an honest, ideology-free debate because it affects people's lives and the country's security and defense.

Before the debate, the coalition's conservative CDU/CSU bloc proposed adding a "Danish model" lottery provision that would automatically draft young men if volunteer numbers proved insufficient. The conservatives warned that volunteers alone would likely fall short of meeting the armed forces' personnel needs. But the Social Democrats rejected the amendment, insisting military service must remain voluntary.

After Thursday's first parliamentary debate on the draft bill, the legislation was sent to parliamentary committees for review.

Merz has repeatedly stated that Germany wants to build Europe's strongest armed forces, emphasizing that the country must take on greater responsibility for European security amid rising threats from Russia and broader global challenges.

Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011, transitioning to a professional army. The Bundeswehr currently has 183,000 active military personnel.