In a landmark decision reflecting Europe’s shifting security landscape, Germany’s Bundestag has approved the reintroduction of voluntary military service. The move represents a strategic reversal from the country’s 2011 abolition of compulsory conscription and forms part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s ambitious plan to develop Europe’s most formidable conventional army.
Starting January 2026, all German 18-year-olds will receive mandatory questionnaires assessing their interest in military service. While completion is compulsory for men and optional for women, the program remains voluntary in its current form. The government has outlined that by July 2027, all male citizens will undergo mandatory medical examinations to determine operational capability.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the necessity of universal medical assessments, stating they would eliminate delays in identifying capable personnel during national emergencies. The Bundeswehr, currently numbering approximately 182,000 troops, aims to expand by 20,000 personnel within the next year. Long-term objectives target 260,000 active soldiers supplemented by 200,000 reservists by the early 2030s.
The legislative change encountered immediate opposition from Germany’s youth. Protest organizers coordinated strikes across 90 cities, with Hamburg alone anticipating 1,500 participants. Demonstrators outside the Bundestag displayed banners proclaiming “No to military service,” while student organizers criticized the program as promoting obedience training and violence.
This development aligns with broader European trends, following France’s recent announcement of a 10-month voluntary military training program for youth. Both initiatives respond to heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and pressure from NATO allies to increase defense spending. Financial incentives appear substantial, with Germany offering approximately €2,600 monthly compensation compared to France’s €800.
The parliamentary vote passed 323-272 amid simultaneous deliberations on contentious pension reforms. The governing coalition narrowly avoided crisis when opposition left-wing parties announced abstention, reducing the required majority threshold.