CDU Proposes Recruiting Former NVA Soldiers to Ease Bundeswehr Shortages

The CDU wants to tap into the military experience of former NVA soldiers to bolster the Bundeswehr's reserves. But the proposal faces legal hurdles and would require changes to the reunification treaty.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 30 . 10:03 PM

1 min read

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CDU Proposes Recruiting Former NVA Soldiers to Ease Bundeswehr Shortages

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has proposed an unconventional solution to ease personnel shortages in the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The party suggests recruiting former members of the National People's Army (NVA) as reservists, a move that could potentially double the current number of reservists.

Sepp Müller, deputy parliamentary leader of the Union for Eastern Germany, has advocated for this proposal. He believes that former NVA members who volunteer should be considered, as they have valuable military experience and a desire to protect freedom. Currently, the Bundeswehr has around 51,000 reservists, but it needs approximately 200,000 to meet its operational requirements.

The proposal, however, faces legal hurdles. The reunification treaty generally excludes former NVA soldiers from serving as reservists. Only those who joined the Bundeswehr after German reunification are currently eligible for such roles. The CDU's proposal would require a change in this legal status.

The CDU's proposal to recruit former NVA soldiers as reservists highlights the severity of the personnel shortage in the Bundeswehr. If implemented, it could significantly boost the number of reservists. However, the plan faces legal challenges and would require changes to the current reunification treaty.