Following months of debate, the coalition government has agreed on a new mechanism to boost soldier numbers. It includes the option for partial compulsory enlistment. Discussions over how to increase the number of active and reserve soldiers in the German military, the Bundeswehr, have markedly increased since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Fears over further military threats from Russia, as well as what is seen as lacklustre support from the US, have led European countries to call for more preparations against a possible Russian attack against NATO.
What did the coalition government announce?
The CDU/CSU and SPD government said in a statement that it had set out a "growth path" to reach a total of around 260,000 soldiers — from a current stand of 180,000 — and some 200,000 reservists. The plan aims to send out questionnaires to all 18-year-olds next year, asking them about their motivation and suitability for the military and informing them about voluntary engagement. For men, responding will be mandatory. A monthly €2,600 ($3,000) will also be offered to those who sign up voluntarily. However, should the target not be met by voluntary enlistment, the government also aims to introduce compulsory enlistment to fill any gaps leftover. A previous target of 203,000 soldiers was not met through voluntary enlistment. The conscripts would be picked at random "as a last resort," the announcement said.
Compulsory military service for men existed in Germany until 2011. Its suspension could be reversed with a simple parliamentary majority. To include women, the German constitution would need to be changed. There is some support for such a move among the German electorate — 54% in favor according to a YouGov poll released in June 2025. However, this is mostly among older voters (66% support) who would be exempt from service. Among younger people (35% support among 18-29-year-olds), there is substantial hesitation. The CDU/CSU and SPD had agreed to boost soldier numbers in their coalition agreement, however, the two blocks had struggled to find an agreement on implementing any form of conscription.
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