德国政府正在为可能恢复强制征兵制做准备，并建立民役制度作为拒服兵役者的替代选项[1]。联邦家庭事务部已向23个大型协会和组织咨询民役容纳能力，其中22个表示愿意提供相关机会[1]。总理弗里德里希·默茨表示，联邦国防军应成为欧洲最强大的常规军队[1]，这一目标需要到2030年将部队人数从现有的185,000人增加至至少260,000人[1]。
德国基本法规定禁止强制军事征兵，但允许通过良心反对建立民役替代方案[1]。目前自愿参军的人数严重不足，2026年仅约530名年轻男性因问卷直接报名军队[1]。强制征兵制在德国曾从1956年持续至2011年才被暂停[1]。家庭事务部部长凯琳·普里恩计划在德国夏季休会后提出修订和现代化民役法的提案[1]。
该政策面临反对意见。德国左翼党共同领导人伊内斯·施韦尔德纳表示，国家不应强制决定年轻人如何度过一年生活[1]。
Germany's government is preparing for a potential reinstatement of compulsory service, including the establishment of civilian alternative service for those who refuse military duty.[1] The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs has consulted with 23 major associations and organizations about their capacity to accommodate civilian service participants, with 22 expressing willingness to provide opportunities.[1] The country aims to increase its armed forces from 185,000 personnel to at least 260,000 by 2030 to strengthen defense capabilities and meet NATO requirements.[1]
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union has stated that the Bundeswehr should become Europe's strongest conventional military force.[1] Currently, only approximately 530 young men directly volunteered for military service through questionnaires in 2026.[1] Germany's constitution prohibits mandatory military conscription but allows for civilian service alternatives based on conscientious objection.[1] Compulsory conscription previously operated in Germany, beginning in West Germany in 1956 and continuing until its suspension in 2011.[1]
The proposal faces political opposition. Ines Schwerdtner, co-leader of the German Left Party, opposes the measure, arguing that the state should not force young people to decide how to spend a year of their lives.[1] The Ministry for Family Affairs plans to present a proposal to revise and modernize civilian service legislation following Germany's summer parliamentary recess.[1]