Pistorius faces criticism over plans for Bundeswehr…

Pistorius faces criticism over plans for Bundeswehr reservists

01.06.2026 12:01 HotInfo

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius faces criticism over his ministry's actions as well as over the planned change to the rules for Bundeswehr reservists. According to a legal assessment by the Bundestag's scientific service, the ministry apparently acted unlawfully when it suspended the obligation for men of military age to apply for permission for longer stays abroad. Tagesspiegel ↗

This obligation stems from the Military Service Act and drew public attention in Germany this spring. Pistorius subsequently removed it from practice, but according to reports he did not have the authority to make such an intervention. The assessment describes the suspension of the approval requirement as legally problematic, since it was a rule enshrined in law, not merely an administrative measure of the ministry. n-tv ↗

At the same time, the defense minister is preparing new legislation that would once again allow reservists to be legally obligated to participate in Bundeswehr exercises. Employers have come out against the return of compulsory reserve service. Rainer Dulger, president of their association, warns that the demands of both the military and the economy must be carefully weighed when planning. According to employers, mandatory exercises could interfere with companies' operational needs. Die Zeit ↗

At the same time, employers point to the existing model of dual voluntariness, which they say has worked as a manageable way of involving reservists. The debate thus combines two levels: the legally questionable conduct of the ministry regarding the foreign stays of men of military age, and the political dispute over how Germany should strengthen its defense capabilities without placing excessive burdens on businesses. Spiegel.de ↗

On Record

Boris Pistorius nemecký minister obrany

30.06.2026

„By adding another highly capable headquarters to NATO’s eastern flank, we improve our readiness, enhance our command-and-control structures and reinforce our ability to deter any potential adversary."

Pri odovzdaní velenia 1. nemecko-holandského zboru v estónskej Valge.

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