Germany Takes Bold Step Towards Military Expansion: Cabinet Backs Voluntary Service, Conscription Possible

Sat Sep 13 2025 13:52:00 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant shift for Germany's defense strategy, the cabinet has backed a bill introducing voluntary military service, with potential conscription if recruitment falls short.

The German government aims to increase its military personnel significantly, raising current soldier numbers from 182,000 to 260,000 by the early 2030s in response to geopolitical tensions, primarily due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. This new policy marks a return to military service concepts that had been phased out nearly a decade ago, instigating debate over national security and compulsory service.

Germany's cabinet has passed a draft bill which will introduce voluntary military service. The bill could also lead to conscription if more troops are needed.

It's part of a move to boost German national defences, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Compulsory military service in Germany was ended in 2011 under then-Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made boosting Germany's military a priority given the threat from Russia and said 'we are now back on the path to a military service army'.

He summed up his thinking earlier this year saying: 'We want to be able to defend ourselves so that we don't have to defend ourselves.'

Germany's plans also follow calls by US President Donald Trump for Europe to take more responsibility for its own defence.

When his coalition government came to office earlier this year, it loosened borrowing restrictions to enable a surge in defence spending and then announced plans for 3.5% of economic output to go on defence over the next four years.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius wants to increase the number of soldiers in service from 182,000 to 260,000 by the early 2030s to meet new NATO force targets and strengthen Germany's defences.

The defence ministry also wants to increase the number of reservists to 200,000.

In future, all 18-year-old Germans, both men and women, will be sent an online questionnaire asking if they are willing to volunteer for military service. It will be compulsory for men but voluntary for women. The government hopes to keep military service voluntary for as long as possible, but warns that if the situation worsens, conscription may be reinstated with parliamentary approval.

The ministry has reported a 28% increase in the number of new recruits in the first half of the year compared to last year, as it seeks to enhance engagement and attractiveness of military service.

While many support the intended boost in national defence, others argue against reintroducing military service, suggesting the focus should be on making the Bundeswehr a more appealing employer instead of reverting to compulsory drafts.

Anti-war groups have voiced strong opposition, advocating for a peaceful approach to international relations rather than increasing military engagement.