Overview
- Under the Union–SPD model, service remains voluntary at first, with 18-year-old men required to complete questionnaires and attend medical screenings and women invited to respond voluntarily from early 2026.
- The plan includes a demand-based conscription option that the Bundestag could activate if volunteer targets are missed, potentially using a lottery to select draftees.
- A YouGov poll of roughly 2,400 people found 62% support for screening entire male cohorts, while 53% consider a demand-based draft appropriate.
- The Defence Ministry says screenings will follow existing practice, typically taking about six hours with blood and urine tests and a simple fitness assessment.
- Die Linke leader Jan van Aken says the party will publish advice on avoiding service as the government seeks Bundestag approval in December.