Summary

Germany’s government approved a draft law requiring young men to indicate their willingness to serve in the military, aiming to increase military participation without reintroducing conscription.

The survey will target around 300,000 18-year-old males in 2024, with young women given the option to participate. This initiative follows years of recruitment challenges since Germany ended compulsory service in 2011.

With a growing focus on defense in response to Russian aggression, Germany seeks to increase its military personnel from 180,000 to 203,000 by 2030.