In Germany, military service is being refused more and more often. This was reported by the media group Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), citing a representative of the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA).

In the first half of this year (as of June 30), the agency received 5,862 such applications. For comparison, the corresponding figure for all of 2025 was 3,867, and in 2024 it was 2,998.

In 2011, when compulsory military service was suspended, 4,348 refusals were registered, according to RND.

The reasons are the tense security situation and the law on reforming conscription into the Bundeswehr, which came into force on January 1.

From July 1, 2027, all 18-year-old young men will be invited to undergo a mandatory medical examination to determine their fitness for military service, even if they do not decide to serve in the army voluntarily.

At the same time, compulsory service, which was suspended in 2011, may once again be partially reintroduced by a decision of the country's parliament. The so-called “mandatory military obligation if necessary” is planned to be used if the required number of volunteers cannot be reached.

By 2035, the number of active military personnel is expected to grow from 186,000 to 260,000.