Germany Plans to Introduce Mandatory Conscription for 18-year-olds From 2027

The German government has approved a bill to amend the rules on military service as the country seeks to expand the size of its armed forces.

Deutsche Welle reported this measure.

The new model, proposed by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, is largely based on voluntary service and does not immediately reinstate compulsory conscription.

However, the bill includes a provision allowing mandatory service to be restored if the number of volunteers proves insufficient.

The government aims to raise the size of the armed forces to at least 260,000 active personnel and an additional 200,000 reservists.

The main target group is Germans aged 18 to 25. The bill also foresees steps to make service more attractive, including higher pay.

Starting in 2026, all young German citizens will receive questionnaires on whether they wish to serve in the Bundeswehr.

Completing the questionnaire will be mandatory for men and voluntary for women. Suitable candidates will then be invited to a selection process.

Starting July 1, 2027, all 18-year-olds will be required to undergo a medical examination to determine their fitness for military service, even if they do not opt to join voluntarily.

The Defense Ministry stated the provision will allow it to collect comprehensive data on the fitness of men of military age. The law is set to take effect in January, pending approval by parliament.

In early August, a poll showed most Germans support reinstating compulsory service, though younger people remain opposed.

In 2024, the Bundeswehr reported record recruitment of more than 20,000 new personnel. According to the Defense Ministry, applications rose by 31% compared with the previous year, in line with overall staffing trends.