Germany moves toward Swedish-style military service

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 21:15

Germany's major political parties have agreed on a Swedish-style voluntary military service system, paired with expanded defense spending and a fallback option to reinstate conscription.

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Soldiers take part in the ceremonial pledge as a central event to mark the 70th anniversary of the Bundeswehr German army) in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Nov.12, 2025. (AP)

Germany’s leading political parties have taken a significant step toward reshaping the country’s approach to military service. According to information reported by public broadcaster ARD, senior figures from the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance and the governing Social Democratic Party (SPD) have reached an initial understanding on a revised system for military recruitment.

The breakthrough reportedly came during talks involving Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD and representatives from the main coalition factions. Among those present were CDU/CSU parliamentary group head Jens Spahn, SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch, and defense policy specialists from both camps, ARD said. The discussions are part of a broader reassessment of Germany’s defense posture amid concerns about regional security and mounting pressure to modernize the Bundeswehr.

Voluntary Conscription

Under the emerging plan, Germany would adopt a voluntary military service model similar to the one used in Sweden. The proposal envisages the new system taking effect in early 2026. As part of the screening process, all male citizens born after December 31, 2007, would be required to complete a questionnaire providing personal and physical data, while women may participate voluntarily. The model is designed to build a pool of potential recruits without immediately restoring compulsory service.

The draft legislation also includes a legal mechanism that would allow conscription to be reinstated if Germany’s security situation deteriorates or if voluntary enlistment fails to produce the necessary number of soldiers. Defense officials have argued that this flexibility is essential given the evolving security landscape in Europe and persistent recruitment challenges.

Bundeswehr Shortfalls

Germany aims to field a force of 203,000 active personnel, but the Bundeswehr has been shrinking for the past two years and, as of March, stood at around 182,000 troops. The manpower shortage comes at a time when Berlin is attempting one of its most ambitious military overhauls in decades.

Over the past three years, Germany has sharply increased defense spending, moving from roughly USD 67 billion in 2023 to more than USD 88 billion in 2024, to meet NATO guidelines and address longstanding equipment and readiness gaps. A special multi-year modernization fund, along with new laws exempting additional defense expenditures from constitutional debt limits, has been introduced to accelerate procurement and expand capabilities.

Despite the surge in investment, the Bundeswehr continues to struggle with recruitment, logistics, and aging equipment, prompting the current push for a more adaptable service model. Policymakers hope the Swedish-style system, backed by a strengthened budget and long-term modernization plans, will help reverse the decline in troop numbers and better position Germany to meet future security demands.