German Cabinet adopts new defense strategy due to Russian foreign policy
On July 13, 2016, the German Cabinet of Ministers approved a new white paper which outlined the country’s security and defense strategy, Deutsche Welle reports. This document, developed under the auspices of the Ministry of Defense, is of crucial importance for the future role of the Bundeswehr (the unified armed forces of Germany, their civil administration and procurement authorities).
The new white paper takes into account changes in the security sector that have occurred since 2006, when the first version of this document was adopted. In the current version, in particular, the tense relations with Russia due to the conflict surrounding Ukraine are mentioned. In the new edition of the white paper, Germany expresses its readiness to take on a more active role at the global level and become one of the leaders of the world stage.
The new edition of the white paper suggests a broader opportunity to strengthen the Bundeswehr inside of Germany without having to amend the Constitution. In the document, in particular, it is noted that in the event of a serious terrorist threat, the government considers it constitutionally allowable to strengthen the Bundeswehr.
Military service in the ranks of the Bundeswehr will be open not only for German citizens but for citizens of other EU countries as well. The Bundeswehr Soldiers’ Union - the largest organization representing the interests of soldiers - opposes these measures.