German MP: We may bring back mandatory military service next year

Germany is contemplating the return of mandatory military service, with a decision expected by July 31, 2027. The move is driven by escalating threats from Russia and a perceived unreliability of the United States as a security partner. Germany aims to significantly expand its armed forces, increasing troop numbers from the current 185,000 to at least 260,000 by 2035. A new voluntary military service model, implemented in November 2025, requires registration for all 18-year-old men. However, the program has yielded meager results, attracting only 530 new recruits between January and May of this year, despite reaching out to 300,000 young people. Thomas Roewekamp, chairman of the Bundestag's defense committee and a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), expressed serious doubts about meeting the ambitious goals for active and reserve forces on a voluntary basis. He stated that a fundamental discussion about these goals would be necessary in the first half of next year. If voluntary service fails to meet targets, mandatory conscription would likely be reinstated. Roewekamp clarified that mandatory service would not apply to all 18-year-old men, estimated at 350,000 annually. Instead, the military would select the number of new conscripts needed to fulfill its annual plans. He emphasized the critical need to increase the number of professional and contract soldiers, as they are essential for operating advanced military equipment like fighter jets, ships, tanks, and air defense systems. The politician also noted a lack of discussion about defense and peace with the younger generation since conscription was abolished in 2011, urging for dialogue with and about this generation. He referenced warnings that Russia might be prepared to attack a NATO country by 2029 and asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is waging war not only against Ukraine but against all liberal Western democracies. Roewekamp advocates for Europe to rearm independently of the U.S., citing potential reductions in U.S. troop presence in Europe under Donald Trump and the U.S.'s inability to reliably supply European militaries during international crises. He called for Europe to build its own military capabilities based on actual needs, not the interests of the defense industry.

“

In the first half of next year, we will need to fundamentally discuss whether we can achieve the extremely ambitious growth targets for active forces and reserves on a voluntary basis. I still seriously doubt that this is possible.