Making the deployment of reservists reliable and predictable

German Employers’ President Dr Rainer Dulger on today's Federal Cabinet decision on the Reservist Strengthening Act:

Making the deployment of reservists reliable and predictable

Berlin, 1 July 2026. "Today's Federal Cabinet decision on the Reservist Strengthening Act is a step in the right direction to ensure capable armed forces and to make Germany capable of defence again. Employers expressly welcome the fact that the security policy turning point is being consistently pursued and implemented.

A cornerstone of strong comprehensive defence is cooperation between a strong military and a strong economy. Security and economic strength depend on one another. Organising the reliable mobilisation of reservists efficiently and in a practical manner is in the interest of both sides. Employers stand ready to play their part and contribute to Germany's defence capability.

We must move away from a mindset of competition. The operational interests of companies can be reconciled with the personnel requirements of the reserve forces. Experience in the past has shown that effective mobilisation can also work on the basis of the principle of dual voluntariness and is supported by businesses. Finding a viable compromise is a key task for both the state and companies.

What companies need above all is planning certainty. They must know which employees may be called up for reserve service and should be informed in good time before such service begins so that business operations can be maintained. This requires transparent and legally sound procedures in close coordination with companies, particularly a status enquiry process, a transparent and coordinated call-up procedure, and functioning arrangements for leave of absence and cost reimbursement.

Practical experience clearly shows that when responsibilities are clearly defined and processes are coordinated reliably, the interests of the Armed Forces and the economy can be successfully aligned.”