Germany is set to implement a new voluntary six-month military service program in 2026, part of a wider European trend as governments react to rising geopolitical threats by reassessing their military recruitment models.

Berlin Plans Voluntary Service, Keeps Draft Option Open

According to German defense officials, the scheme will focus on guard duties and basic training, with opportunities to extend into logistics or armored units. If the program fails to attract sufficient numbers, the government may consider reinstating a draft—though this remains controversial within the ruling coalition.

The aim is to increase the number of trained reservists and boost the Bundeswehr’s active force from 180,000 to 260,000. New barracks will be established to train recruits closer to home, and additional incentives such as truck licenses and tank driving skills will be offered.

Continental Shift Toward Compulsory Service

Germany’s plan comes amid renewed EU-wide debate on the return of military conscription. A European Newsroom survey notes that nine EU countries—including Sweden, Finland, and Greece—still enforce mandatory service, while others like Croatia and Belgium are reintroducing voluntary models with incentives.

In France, President Emmanuel Macron’s government is reviewing universal national service. Poland is targeting 100,000 annual military participants, and Bulgaria and Portugal are exploring partial training models. Meanwhile, nations like Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland have ruled out a return to conscription, citing logistical or political concerns.

Demographics and Defense Budgets

A key motivation across Europe is not only military readiness but also societal resilience. EU states recently agreed to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. However, as former conscription systems were dismantled post–Cold War, many countries now face troop shortfalls despite growing budgets.

In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called the 2011 decision to suspend conscription a “mistake,” while SPD leaders insist all voluntary options must be exhausted before activating legal conscription mechanisms.

Gender and Civic Duty in the Debate

Sweden and Denmark now apply conscription to both men and women. Denmark began assessing women equally for military service as of July 1. Supporters argue such policies promote equality and strengthen national defense, while critics highlight the costs and complexity of rebuilding conscription infrastructure.

Across Europe, the shifting security environment has redefined national defense as a civic responsibility. Whether through voluntary enlistment or selective conscription, EU governments are increasingly looking to citizens to shoulder a greater share of the continent’s defense burden.