Germany Passes Modernized Military Service Law Amid Youth Protests

On December 5, 2025, the German Bundestag approved a major reform of the country's military service law, modernizing the armed forces' recruitment model to meet security challenges, particularly from Russia. The legislation, passed with 323 votes in favor, aims to establish a flexible, attractive, and primarily voluntary system for the Bundeswehr. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the importance of civic responsibility in protecting democracy, stating that the government is acting out of conviction rather than joy. He also acknowledged discussions about potentially reintroducing partial conscription if volunteer numbers fall short.

However, the reform has sparked protests among German youth concerned about the implications of renewed military obligations. In Potsdam, over 1,000 young demonstrators, including two tenth-graders, gathered at Alten Markt to show their opposition. One 16-year-old expressed fears that compulsory military service would return, worrying also for younger siblings who might be drafted. The protesters fear not only conscription but also the prospect of being sent to war.

This legislative move follows similar reforms in other European Union countries such as Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, and Croatia, all in response to heightened security threats from Russia. The new German law seeks to balance the necessity of national defense with maintaining the voluntary nature of military service. Pistorius remains hopeful about attracting enough young volunteers but is clear that if recruitment goals are not met, a debate on conscription could become unavoidable.

The passage of this law marks a significant shift in Germany's defense policy, aiming to strengthen the country's military readiness amid rising geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, youth protests highlight societal concerns and the complex challenges of balancing democratic freedoms with security imperatives.