German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has indicated that if voluntary enlistment fails to meet recruitment targets, the government may reinstate mandatory military service.
In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Pistorius stated:
“If the time comes when we have more capacity available than voluntary registrations, then a decision may be made to make recruitment mandatory. That is the roadmap.”
The proposed legislation aims to come into force as early as January 2026.
Germany suspended conscription in 2011, transitioning to a volunteer-based military. However, the Bundeswehr has struggled to meet its troop targets, currently falling short of the 203,000 personnel goal set for 2031. The need for additional forces has become more pressing following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The German armed forces have stated that an additional 100,000 soldiers are needed in the coming years to fulfill NATO obligations.
The conservative-led government coalition, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the helm, has increased defense spending and shown openness to compulsory service. The Social Democrats (SPD), junior partners in the coalition, have traditionally favored voluntary service but acknowledge the challenges in meeting recruitment goals.
The proposed military service plan includes efforts to reactivate more reservists and may consider including women in conscription plans. Currently, the German constitution allows conscription only for men, and any changes to include women would require constitutional amendments.
Public opinion in Germany is divided on the issue of reinstating conscription. While some view it as a necessary step to bolster national defense, others express concerns about the implications for individual freedoms and the societal impact.
As the government moves forward with its plans, the debate over compulsory military service is likely to intensify, reflecting broader discussions about Germany’s role in European security and its commitment to NATO obligations.
