The Franco-German Parliamentary Assembly is urging progress on the FCAS fighter programme amid growing tensions over industrial workshare, with Berlin insisting Dassault adhere to existing agreements. The call comes as reports indicate Germany and France may abandon the joint project altogether and instead shift focus to a shared military cloud system.
Left-wing politician Jan van Aken has drawn attention by suggesting that young men could use marijuana to avoid Germany’s planned new military service assessments. His party, The Left, is preparing guidance opposing the government’s proposal to evaluate all young men born in 2008 or later for a new voluntary service programme, which could become compulsory if recruitment falls short.
The German government has proposed a reform of the Air Security Act to create a legal basis for military action against threatening drones in domestic airspace, with the draft allowing the Bundeswehr to use force or jamming technology against uncooperative drones deemed a danger to human life or critical infrastructure, and enables federal police to request limited technical support from the military.
Germany will lift its partial weapons export embargo on Israel on November 24, citing a stabilising ceasefire in Gaza and and renewed diplomatic efforts to increase humanitarian aid. Berlin will return to case-by-case reviews of export requests, a move welcomed by Israel but debated within Germany.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pressed Ukraine to pursue anti-corruption reforms after President Volodymyr Zelensky briefed him on a widening corruption scandal that has led to two ministerial resignations and sanctions against key business figures.
Germany’s coalition government has agreed on a new military service model that begins as a voluntary programme but allows parliament to introduce conscription if recruitment falls short.
Israel has urged Germany to lift its partial arms export halt and travel warning following the Gaza ceasefire. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said the restrictions should end and backed German participation in the Gaza peace process, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz signalled the export freeze may be reviewed.
Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned of legal challenges to a bill expanding the Bundeswehr’s role in domestic drone defence after a surge in suspected Russian drone sightings. The plan would strengthen police capabilities and create a joint defence centre, but faces constitutional concerns over military involvement in internal security.
