Germany Sets Record for Conscientious Objectors: Highest Numbers in 14 Years

The number of conscientious objectors in Germany is at its highest level since the suspension of conscription 14 years ago.

As of the end of October, the Federal Office for Family and Civil Society Affairs in Cologne received 3,034 applications for conscientious objectors. This was reported by the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung newspaper.

This figure is considered to be a record since 2011, when recruits were last called up to the Bundeswehr on a mandatory basis.

The newspaper cites data from the department, according to which the number of such applications has been growing for several years in a row.

In 2023, there were 1,079 applications, and in 2024 their number doubled to 2,249.

More than half of this year’s applications come from those who have never served.

In addition, about 1,300 applications were submitted by reservists, and almost 150 by active soldiers.

The federal office in Cologne makes decisions regarding people who have previously been found fit for service by the Bundeswehr’s medical commission.

Last week, Bundestag deputies from the ruling coalition parties – the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the Social Democrats (SPD) – agreed on a new voluntary model of military service after lengthy debate.

The document provides for the establishment of annual targets to attract the required number of volunteers.

Compulsory military service, which was suspended in 2011, will not be resumed, but starting next year, all young men born in 2008 and later will have to undergo a medical examination by the Bundeswehr.

In case of failure to achieve the set targets, the Bundestag, according to the agreement, should decide to introduce “conscription on demand”.