In a significant shift for European security, Germany has announced plans to reintroduce a form of military conscription, this time on a voluntary basis. The move, approved by lawmakers in December 2025, is a direct response to the perceived growing threat of Russian aggression on the continent.
A New Model for National Service
The German government's strategy centres on a mandatory medical check for young men and a nationwide mailing campaign. Starting in January, every 18-year-old man in the country will receive a pamphlet asking if they are interested and willing to join the armed forces. While the form is compulsory for men to complete, it will be sent to women on a voluntary basis.
This initiative marks a stark reversal from 2011, when Germany suspended mandatory conscription for men. Since then, the Bundeswehr has struggled to attract sufficient numbers of short-term volunteers. The number of military personnel has dwindled to just over 180,000, a sharp decline from the 300,000 recorded in 2001 when conscription was active.
Part of a Broader European Trend
Germany is not acting in isolation. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told parliament that 'allies are looking at Germany' as a 'pacesetter' for European defence, and neighbouring nations are making similar preparations.
Just last week, France unveiled a programme to train thousands of volunteers aged 18 and 19 starting next year. Poland's government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is preparing large-scale military training for every adult male. Meanwhile, Belgium also has plans to attract more recruits.
This trend extends beyond voluntary schemes. Ten EU countries currently have compulsory military service, including Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Latvia and Croatia are the most recent EU members to reintroduce an obligatory term of service.
Bolstering the Bundeswehr's Future
The German government has a clear target: to grow its military to 260,000 personnel over the next decade, alongside a reserve force of around 200,000—more than double the current number. To achieve this, the new plan promises more attractive pay and conditions for short-term volunteers, better training, and flexible service periods starting from a minimum of six months.
This human resources push follows a massive financial commitment, with billions of euros already pledged to modernise military equipment after years of underinvestment.
Could Conscription Return to Britain?
The changing security landscape in Europe has inevitably sparked debate in the UK, where compulsory national service ended in 1963. Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the question of reviving conscription was met with a firm 'no' from army and government officials.
Today, the British Army stands at just over 181,000 people, comprised mostly of full-time personnel and Gurkhas. While the government has not formally debated reintroduction, the security shift is prompting further discussion. Most senior military figures maintain that conscription would not be necessary in a war, believing that a small percentage of volunteers would suffice.
As Germany takes its first steps with voluntary conscription, all eyes in Europe will be on the response from its youth and the model's effectiveness in strengthening continental defence.
