Germany votes to bring back voluntary military service

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete December 5, 2025 at 11:34 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Germany's parliament has voted to reintroduce voluntary military service, requiring all 18-year-olds to complete a questionnaire about their willingness to join starting in January 2026. The move aims to bolster national defenses following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and increase the Bundeswehr's troop numbers to meet NATO targets. While service is initially voluntary, mandatory medical exams for 18-year-old men will begin in July 2027 to assess fitness for potential service. The government aims to increase the number of soldiers in service by 20,000 over the next year. The decision has sparked protests across Germany, with students planning strikes against the new law.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ukraine 50% France 50% Russia ×260% Boris Pistorius 70% Friedrich Merz ×280% Germany ×480%

Keywords

voluntary military service 100% national defence 80% military service 70% bundeswehr 60% compulsory military service 50% military training 50% military 40% russia's invasion of ukraine 40%