Germany sees sharp rise in requests to refuse military service

Germany has received more than 12,000 applications from those seeking to refuse military service on grounds of conscience this year, exceeding triple the total in all of 2025, media reported Tuesday.

The RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) newspaper group reported that the applicants include reservists, active-duty soldiers and young men -- even though military conscription in Germany remains suspended.

A spokeswoman for the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA) said the agency registered 12,102 conscientious objector applications in the first eight months of 2026, up from 3,879 in 2025 and 2,249 in 2024.Officials attribute the surge to Germany's new military service law, deteriorating international security conditions and fears of military conflict in Europe.

Under the new law, which took effect at the start of 2026, all men turning 18 are required to complete a questionnaire assessing their fitness, skills and interest in joining the armed forces.

While military service remains voluntary, critics say the government aims to reintroduce conscription in stages, beginning with questionnaires.
Medical screening is mandatory for men born in 2008 or later, but limited capacity means it is being phased in.

Under Article 4 of the Constitution, citizens hold a protected right to refuse armed military service for reasons of conscience. Objectors must submit a written application and a detailed personal statement to the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Personnel Management, which forwards the request to BAFzA for review.

The Bundeswehr counts roughly 186,400 active troops. To meet NATO commitments and respond to heightened security risks in Europe, the Defense Ministry aims to expand the force to more than 260,000 personnel by 2035.

Reaching that target will require 20,000 recruits annually -- a goal defense analysts said will be difficult to achieve without mandatory service if voluntary enrollment falters.