Overview
- Official figures show 3,034 conscientious-objection applications through October 2025, the most since 2011, with over half from people who never served and additional requests from about 1,300 reservists and nearly 150 active soldiers.
- The government says general conscription remains suspended and will first pursue a new voluntary service model for the Bundeswehr.
- Under the coalition plan, all young men born in 2008 onward will undergo mandatory medical screening, service will remain voluntary, and Parliament could activate a selective draft if recruitment targets are missed.
- New polling reports 75% support for a six‑month civic duty for all, 58% approval for universal screening, widespread doubts that enough volunteers can be recruited, and low personal willingness to enlist.
- The Defense Ministry backs constitution-loyalty checks for volunteers, and official data showing a sizable share of dual nationals in the 2008 male cohort has prompted expert warnings about potential loyalty conflicts.