Germany votes to bring back voluntary military service

Germany's parliament, the Bundestag, has voted to reintroduce voluntary military service in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The move, spearheaded by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aims to strengthen the country's defenses. The plan includes sending questionnaires to all 18-year-olds in Germany starting in 2026 to gauge their interest in joining the armed forces, with the long-term goal of increasing the number of soldiers by 20,000 in the next year and potentially implementing compulsory military service if needed for national security.