Overview
- The Federal Office for Family and Civil Society reported 5,862 applications for conscientious objection by June 30, 2026, more than in the whole year of 2011.
- Officials and media say the rise follows the new Wehrdienstgesetz that took effect on January 1, 2026, which requires mandatory medical and suitability screening for men born in 2008 to recruit volunteers.
- Observers cite Germany's more strained security environment as an added reason young people are refusing armed service, while a separate trend shows some earlier objections being revoked (781 revocations last year and 233 in Q1 2026).
- The government plans to expand the Bundeswehr to about 260,000 troops by 2035 and has said Parliament could consider a temporary conscription law if voluntary recruiting falls short.
- To be processed, an objection application must include a signed cover letter, a full CV, and a detailed personal statement explaining the conscientious reasons for refusing armed service.