German parliament on Friday voted to pass a bill that would allow military conscription, following rising tensions between Russia and European Union (EU) states.

With 323 votes in support coming from ruling party CDU/CSU and SPD and 272 votes against, the bill introduces a two-stage conscription. If voluntary service does not meet the set quotas, a need-based conscription can be activated by parliament.

Starting in 2026, the government will send a questionnaire to all 18-year-old men and women to determine their “motivation and suitability for service in the armed forces.” For women, completing the survey will be optional whereas for men it will be mandatory.

Opposition parties voted against the measure. AfD, the country’s main far-right party, stated that the government is not

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