Germany Could Consider Mandatory Military Service Again
BERLIN (AP) — According to statements made by the defense minister, Germany might bring back mandatory military service if its current volunteer system doesn’t achieve recruitment goals. This information was shared on Saturday.
In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Boris Pistorius outlined the timeline for the new military service framework. While the initial program is based on voluntary enlistment, he pointed out that this could change depending on circumstances.
“If we find ourselves with more capacity than voluntary enlistments, we can choose to mandate recruitment. That’s our plan moving forward,” he mentioned.
Pistorius also noted that Prime Minister Friedrich Merz’s government is progressing quickly on the new military service legislation, with an aim for it to be implemented by January 2026.
The discussion surrounding the potential reintroduction of conscription has gained momentum amid rising concerns about European defense readiness and changing security challenges.
Germany halted its draft in 2011, and since then, has faced difficulties meeting military objectives, particularly after defense needs spiked following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Additionally, Pistorius mentioned that the military service initiative would also focus on revitalizing reserve forces.
