The German Bundestag passed a new military service law on December 5, 2025, keeping enlistment voluntary but mandating medical exams and questionnaires for all 18‑year‑old men, while student protests erupted in 90 cities.
Bundestag Approves Reform
Members of the German Bundestag approved on Friday, December 5, 2025, a controversial reform of military service. The legislation maintains voluntary enlistment, but introduces measures to better assess potential recruits.
Voluntary Service with Mandatory Checks
The new law requires all 18‑year‑old men to undergo medical examinations before a conscription commission and to complete a questionnaire about motivation and suitability for military service. For women, completing the questionnaire remains voluntary.
Prorogues to Compulsory Service
If a shortage of recruits occurs, the Bundestag may enact compulsory military service through a subsequent law. The question of who would be subject to mandatory call‑up and how to organize it fairly would be decided at that stage.
Bundeswehr Strengthening Plan
The law is part of efforts to increase the Bundeswehr’s active personnel from 183,000 to between 255,000 and 270,000 by 2035. The new recruitment rules must also be ratified by the Bundesrat, the second chamber of parliament. If approved, the law would become effective in January 2026, while mandatory medical screenings for cohorts of young men will start only on July 1, 2027.
Student Protests Erupt
During the pre‑vote debate, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the reform was a decisive step for Germany’s defence capabilities, yet acknowledged the law sparked disputes. Student organisations called for strikes in 90 German cities to protest the proposed service changes.
Opposition Voices Criticism
Opposition parties objected to the bill. Desiree Becker of the Left argued that young people have other plans than risking their lives, while Green representative Sara Nanni said the law inadequately addressed defence questions and ignored generations and genders. AfD MP Jörg Zirwes deemed the bill insufficiently bold.
Compensation and Random Selection
The new service, lasting six to eleven months, offers a €2,600 monthly salary and a subsidy for driver’s licence acquisition. If demand outstrips the Bundeswehr’s needs, candidates may be selected randomly.
