Young Germans opting out of military service as Berlin strives to boost army
Summary
More young men in Germany are applying to avoid military service this year by claiming conscientious objector status. This increase challenges the government’s goal to strengthen the German army amid concerns about security threats from Russia and other regions.Key Facts
- In the first half of 2026, 5,862 people applied to be conscientious objectors in Germany, more than all of 2025 (3,879 applications).
- Conscientious objection allows people to refuse military service for moral or religious reasons and is protected by Germany’s constitution.
- Germany currently has no active draft but asks all men at 18 to declare their willingness to serve and take a medical exam.
- Women are encouraged to volunteer but are not required to go through the selection process.
- The German government aims to increase its active military to 260,000 soldiers by 2035.
- The rise in objector applications is linked to concerns about possible military missions abroad, including in Ukraine and the Gulf region.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to make the Bundeswehr Europe’s strongest conventional army.
- The conservative parties warn that if volunteering goals fail, mandatory military service could return, but this would require new laws.
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