Germany’s Bundestag has approved a new voluntary military service program for 18-year-olds, marking a major shift in the country’s defense policy. The initiative, set to begin in January 2026, requires all 18-year-old men to respond to a mandatory questionnaire about their interest in joining the armed forces, while participation remains optional for women. The move is part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s broader plan to build “Europe’s strongest army.”

The law passed by a 323–272 vote and has sparked widespread protests across nearly 90 German cities, with students and youth groups opposing what they see as a step toward militarization. Demonstrators argue that young people should not be trained for war, emphasizing that conflict destroys their future rather than securing it. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that from 2027, all 18-year-old men will undergo medical screening to assess their fitness for potential deployment.

Germany currently has about 182,000 active troops and aims to expand to 260,000 by the early 2030s. Officials have not ruled out reinstating mandatory conscription if voluntary enlistment falls short or security conditions worsen.