International News - Germany Moves Toward Reinstating Military Conscription Amid Growing Security Fears

Germany’s conservative leaders, poised to form the next government, are pushing for the rapid reintroduction of compulsory military service, arguing that Europe must strengthen its own security as U.S. support under President Donald Trump becomes increasingly uncertain.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU/CSU bloc, which won last month’s elections, has called for a major expansion of Germany’s armed forces, stating:

“We need a much higher personnel strength in the armed forces. We cannot manage with the current number, and we also need a much stronger reserve.”

Why Now? Growing Concerns Over NATO & European Security

The renewed debate over conscription comes as fears grow about NATO’s future stability, particularly after Trump’s repeated overtures to Russia and his decision to suspend U.S. aid to Ukraine.

CDU defense spokesperson Florian Hahn underscored the urgency, telling Bild:

"The first conscripts will have to walk through the barracks gates in 2025. We cannot stand by and watch as the world around us becomes more unsafe."

A Shift in German Policy

Merz has vowed to reverse key policies of former Chancellor Angela Merkel, including her 2011 decision to suspend compulsory military service. He has suggested a mandatory year of service, allowing young Germans to choose between military or community service.

Support for some form of conscription has been growing across political party lines, with calls to:

Expand voluntary service, with the option of making it compulsory if needed (SPD proposal).
Implement a Swedish-style model, where all 18-year-olds receive military questionnaires, and a select group is chosen for service.

Military Leaders Call for Urgent Action

Germany’s armed forces face a severe personnel crisis, with 27,000 troops leaving each year and struggling to be replaced.

"We have to start this year, otherwise we risk imploding in terms of personnel," warned German Armed Forces Association Chairman André Wüstner.

Consensus Grows: A ‘Mistake That Must Be Reversed’

Even former Green Party foreign minister Joschka Fischer, who once supported abolishing conscription, now believes it was a mistake:

"Compulsory military service must be reintroduced for both sexes. Without this step, we will not make any progress in protecting Europe."

What’s Next?

The CDU/CSU is in talks with the SPD to form a coalition government, aiming for a decision by Easter.
If conscription is approved, the first recruits could enter service as early as 2025.

With NATO’s future uncertain, Germany appears to be preparing for a new era of military readiness—one that could reshape Europe’s defense strategy for years to come.