The German government approved a draft law Wednesday requiring young men to complete a mandatory survey about their readiness to serve in the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces. The initiative comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen the military amid growing security concerns in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Under the proposed law, all male citizens turning 18 — approximately 300,000 next year — must respond to a digital questionnaire about their interest in military service and their physical capabilities. While young women will receive the same survey, their participation remains voluntary.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the new model was “our response to the changing threat situation in Europe.” He added that with this law, they are “setting the course for increasing our deterrence and defence capabilities.” Based on survey responses, candidates will be invited to a selection process, with those selected offered an initial six-month service period and the option to extend.
The Bundeswehr currently maintains 180,000 active personnel but aims to increase this number to 203,000 by 2031, alongside 60,000 reservists. The long-term goal includes expanding the reserve force to 200,000, potentially allowing Germany to mobilize up to 460,000 troops in wartime.
This initiative represents a middle ground between the current voluntary system and a return to mandatory conscription, which Germany suspended in 2011. Recent recruitment efforts have shown minimal progress, with the Bundeswehr adding only 27 more recruits in 2023 compared to 2022, totaling 18,802 new members.
The law faces opposition from various quarters, with critics arguing it should apply equally to both genders. However, Defense Minister Pistorius noted that making service mandatory for women would require constitutional changes, deemed too time-consuming for current needs.
The conservative CDU-CSU alliance has proposed more extensive measures, including mandatory community service for young people, with options to serve in either military or civil society roles.
If approved by parliament, the new law could take effect in early 2025.
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