Germany could bring back conscription next year – senior MP

Germany is considering reinstating military conscription by July 2027, as the current voluntary recruitment system is insufficient to meet its planned military expansion. A senior lawmaker expressed doubts about achieving recruitment targets and indicated a return to conscription may be necessary. This potential move follows a recent law requiring all 18-year-old males to register and undergo checks, with a possibility of being called up if manpower shortages persist.

• Germany may reinstate military conscription by July 2027.
• The current voluntary recruitment is insufficient for military buildup goals.
• Germany aims to increase active soldiers to 260,000 and reservists to 200,000 by the mid-2030s.
• A new law requires 18-year-old males to register for potential service.
• Recruits may be called up through a lottery if manpower shortages occur.
• Only 530 people volunteered for service between January and May.
• Youth demonstrations against the potential reintroduction of conscription have occurred.
• Germany abolished the draft in 2011.
• Officials cite the ‘Russian threat’ as a reason for military buildup and potential conscription.