Under the changes, young adults in Germany will be handed out a questionnaire from January 2026, asking them whether they would like to join the military<\/p>\n
Germany\u2019s parliament, the Bundestag, has voted to introduce voluntary military conscription for 18-year-olds, as the Russia-Ukraine war keeps Europe on edge.<\/p>\n
The move follows French President Emmanuel Macron\u2019s announcement last month that the country is considering reintroducing military service on a voluntary basis.<\/p>\n
The development marks a significant change in Germany\u2019s approach to army hirings and reflects Chancellor Friedrich Merz\u2019s push to create Europe\u2019s strongest conventional army.<\/p>\n
German MPs approved the change by a vote of 323 to 272, making Germany the latest European country to introduce a revamped form of military service.<\/p>\n
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADWhat are the new rules?<\/p>\n
Under the changes, young adults in Germany will be handed out a questionnaire from January 2026, asking them whether they would like to join the military.<\/p>\n
While the forms would be mandatory for boys, girls can fill them out voluntarily.<\/p>\n
However, if enlistment numbers are too low, the bill permits the introduction of needs-based conscription. This would require a separate parliamentary vote and could involve random selection if more eligible citizens come forward than are needed.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, all men born after January 1 2008, will be required to undergo medical examination. Universal medical examinations were essential, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said, so that in the event of an attack, Germany would not lose time determining \u201cwho is operationally capable as a homeland protector and who is not.\u201d<\/p>\n
Germans protest<\/p>\n
Most young Germans have responded negatively to the changes. Students from schools across Germany have said they will join protests to oppose the vote.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t want to spend half a year of our lives locked up in barracks, being trained in drill and obedience and learning to kill,\u201d the organisers of the protests said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWar offers no prospects for the future and destroys our livelihoods,\u201d they added.<\/p>\n
The Left Party\u2019s Desiree Becker said young people should \u201cstrike against the reintroduction of conscription\u201d and educate themselves about conscientious objection.<\/p>\n