The German center-right/center-left coalition government announced an agreed path to boosting its military forces on Thursday, including the option to enforce partial compulsory military service.
Discussions over how to increase the number of active and reserve soldiers in the German military, the Bundeswehr, have markedly increased since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Fears over further military threats from Russia, as well as what is seen as lacklustre support from the US, have led European countries to call for more preparations against a possible Russian attack against NATO.
Pistorius: ‘We must strengthen our ability to defend’
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What did the coalition government announce?
The CDU/CSU and SPD government said in a statement that it had set out a “growth path” to reach a total of around 260,000 soldiers — from a current stand of 180,000 — and some 200,000 reservists.
The plan aims to send out questionnaires to all 18-year-olds next year, asking them about their motivation and suitability for the military and informing them about voluntary engagement. For men, responding will be mandatory.
A monthly €2,600 ($3,000) will also be offered to those who sign up voluntarily.
However, should the target not be met by voluntary enlistment, the government also aims to introduce compulsory enlistment to fill any gaps leftover. A previous target of 203,000 soldiers was not met through voluntary enlistment.
The conscripts would be picked at random “as a last resort,” the announcement said.
German rearmament sparks controversy, again
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What do Germans think about bringing back conscription?
There had been significant disagreement within the coalition government over how best to boost soldier numbers. One point of friction was over an automatic mechanism that would kick in if numbers fall short.
Thursday’s announcement said there would be no such automatic mechanism.
Compulsory military service for men existed in Germany until 2011. Its suspension could be reversed with a simple parliamentary majority. To include women, the German constitution would need to be changed.
There is some support for such a move among the German electorate — 54% in favor according to a YouGov poll released in June 2025. However, this is mostly among older voters (66% support) who would be exempt from service. Among younger people (35% support among 18-29-year-olds), there is substantial hesitation.
The CDU/CSU and SPD had agreed to boost soldier numbers in their coalition agreement, however, the two blocks had struggled to find an agreement on implementing any form of conscription.
What did the German defense minister say?
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, SPD, welcomed the agreement. He has said he hopes it can come into effect by 2026, but the deal still needs approval in the German parliament, the Bundestag.
He also sought to address those who have spoken out against conscription.
“There is no reason for concern, no reason for fear,” said Pistorius.
“Because the lesson is quite clear: the more capable our armed forces are of deterrence and defence, through armament, training and personnel, the less likely we are to become involved in a conflict at all,” he added.
“And that serves everyone, as the experience of the Cold War has shown. So there is no reason whatsoever to worry.”
Pistorius has been one of the major voices behind boosting Germany’s military capabilitiesImage: Kay Nietfeld/dpa/picture alliance
Edited by: Kieran Burke
