(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JUL 31 - According to the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, the number of people applying to join the German Army increased by 28% in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, totalling 13,739 new recruits for the Bundeswehr. This means that the newspaper believes the goal of 20,000 new recruits by 2025 could be met without reinstating compulsory military service. (ANSA).