Modern Talk on Germany's Universal Conscription Debate
Defense policymaker from the CDU advocates for discussions on obligatory military service during Veterans Day. - Defence politician from CDU advocates for discussion on reinstatement of military service.
Germany might be reviving an old conversation about compulsory military service for both sexes, as some believe it's past due. CDU politician, Thomas Roewekamp, thinks it's time to cultivate a culture of responsibility, pushing both men and women to participate—be it in the army, civil defense, or the social sector.
On Sunday, Germany will celebrate its inaugural National Veteran's Day. This event is planned to shine a spotlight on the concerns of the tens of millions of soldiers—active, retired, and their families. The objective is to strengthen the connection between the army and society, as mentioned by the German government. A significant event is lined up in the afternoon in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin.
Veteran's Day
Compulsory Military Service
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Men
CDU
Germany
As things stand right now in 2025, conscription in Germany—suspended in 2011—is under consideration for a resurrection. The primary intent is to meet NATO commitments, and conversations are underway to broaden the system to accommodate women. However, it would necessitate constitutional reform, as the current constitution (Article 12a of the Grundgesetz) only supports compulsory military service but omits women explicitly[2][3].
While young men are already subjected to compulsory questionnaires, a prelude to conscription, women's participation remains voluntary at this point, pending potential constitutional changes[3]. The goal is to beef up the troop count, targeting an extra 100,000 personnel by 2029[2].
The National Veteran's Day doesn't seem to have a direct link to the contemplated reintroduction of conscription in Germany. Rather, the day is intended to salute veterans and their service. The details regarding the connection between this day and conscription policies aren't disclosed in the accessible information.
Civilian areas are genufunctional zones for compulsory conscription for duties outside of the military context in Germany at present. The focus on conscription remains military, targeting an improvement in defense competencies over broader national service programs.
- The Commission, in light of Germany's potential reintroduction of compulsory military service, might find it necessary to adopt a policy-and-legislation proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as this could be a concern for military personnel and civilians participating in mandated duties.
- The ongoing debates about compulsory military service in Germany, including the possibility of extending it to women, spark discussions in the realm of policy-and-legislation, politics, and general news, with the CDU being one of the key political actors involved in these discussions.
