Germany’s decision to reintroduce voluntary military service has triggered strong reactions from young people across the country, with many expressing concern that the move could pave the way for a full return to conscription.
Under the government’s new proposal, all 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire from January assessing both their fitness and their willingness to serve. Completing the form will be mandatory for men and optional for women. If the number of volunteers falls short, parliament could authorise conscription in times of war or national emergency.
Nationwide Demonstrations Reflect Growing Frustration
Protests were held in several cities, with large gatherings in Berlin where demonstrators, mostly teenagers and young adults, carried placards reading “You can’t have our lives if we don’t eat your lies” and “Peace is power”. Some parents also attended, including one mother holding a sign stating: “You can’t have my son.”
Many young Germans say the idea of being compelled to defend a government they feel has neglected their concerns is unacceptable.
“None of us want to die for a country that doesn’t really care about us,” said Levi, who argued that the government had ignored demands for stronger climate action and better living conditions. When asked who should defend Germany if his generation refused, he replied: “Why don’t the people that started the war do it?”
Seventeen-year-old Sara shared similar views, stating: “I would not be willing to die for any country. I don’t think it’s right to send children or anyone against their will into the military because war is just wrong. If Germany is attacked, I’ll just go somewhere else.”
Mandatory Medical Examinations Planned from 2027
Although ministers emphasise that the new system will remain voluntary for as long as possible, by 2027 all 18-year-old men will be required to undergo a medical examination to determine their suitability for service.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said mandatory medical checks are essential to ensure that in a crisis, Germany would not lose time verifying “who is operationally capable as a homeland protector and who is not”.
Germany suspended its previous system of compulsory military service in 2011, making the current proposal a significant cultural shift.
Geopolitical Tensions Driving the Change
The plan is widely seen as a direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite denials from Moscow, NATO’s secretary-general has warned that Russia could have the ability to attack a NATO member within the next four to five years.
However, not all young people consider Russia an urgent threat. Nineteen-year-old Lola said that while Russia “could be” a risk, she believes there are “more important issues, especially social ones,” that need attention.
Her friend, 28-year-old Balthasar, argued that capability does not equate to intent, saying: “A country being able to attack isn’t the same as a country planning to attack. Russia has at least attempted diplomatic resolution and cooperation, which I think is the right approach, rather than sabre-rattling.”
Government Aims to Build Europe’s Strongest Military
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he intends to build “the strongest army in Europe”. Germany currently has around 184,000 soldiers and plans to increase its forces by more than 80,000 over the next decade.
Volunteers are being offered incentives including a monthly salary of over €2,000 (£1,750). Despite this, a recent survey found that 81% of Gen Z would not fight for Germany. Older generations, by contrast, show stronger support for conscription.
At the Berlin protest, 17-year-old Valentin was the rare exception among young demonstrators, saying he would fight “when we are attacked”, but not if Germany were the aggressor.
Part of a Wider European Trend
Germany is not alone in expanding military service. France recently announced a new system for over-18s, and 10 EU countries currently have compulsory military service. Others, including Belgium, the Netherlands and now Germany, are pursuing voluntary schemes.
The German proposal still needs approval from the upper house of parliament later this month. It is expected to come into effect in January.
