A new “Unstatistik des Monats” analysis from the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research criticises widely cited projections suggesting that Germany will be unable to reach its Bundeswehr personnel targets without reintroducing conscription. According to the authors, the NZZ’s conclusion that conscription will become “nearly unavoidable” by the end of the 2020s rests on […]

A German lawyer has argued that the lottery mechanism envisaged under Germany’s new military-service system could face serious constitutional challenges if compulsory service is activated. Under the law in force since January 1, 2026, military service remains formally voluntary, but the Bundestag can introduce a needs-based draft if volunteer numbers prove insufficient. She sees two […]

Germany’s Family Ministry is preparing the framework for a renewed compulsory civilian service if military conscription is reactivated. The ministry contacted 23 major welfare and social-service organisations about their ability to provide placements for conscientious objectors, with 22 saying they could do so in principle. Several welfare organisations nevertheless oppose relying on compulsory civilian labour. […]