The German Defense Ministry is considering the reintroduction of mandatory conscription for 18-year-olds to address the ongoing military recruitment issues. This decision comes as the ministry seeks to increase the number of annual recruits to 40,000 by 2031. Initially, the focus will be on boosting volunteer numbers for the army reserves, with the possibility of enforcing conscription if contract soldiers are insufficient to meet the quota. The plan includes incentives such as pay increases, driver’s license subsidies, and performance bonuses to attract and retain recruits.
Additionally, starting from 2027, all young men and female volunteers will be required to complete military questionnaires to assess their interest in joining the armed forces. Germany has been revisiting the idea of conscription since the Ukraine conflict, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized making the Bundeswehr the strongest army on the continent. While France has its own plans to boost reservists, it has ruled out the reinstatement of conscription.
Despite the ongoing debate, there are no direct financial implications for the country from this policy, as the focus remains on military expansion rather than economic sectors. The proposal aligns with broader European efforts to enhance military readiness in light of recent geopolitical tensions. Germany’s approach reflects a strategic shift towards ensuring national security and reinforcing its role in collective defense.