Conscientious Objection in Germany Triples

Moscow (ANTARA) - The number of German youths submitting official letters of refusal to serve in the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, is expected to reach 12,102 in 2026, more than triple the refusal rate recorded in 2025.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius previously stated that only about 20 per cent of men of military service age, who receive questionnaires as part of the military registration process, express their willingness to serve in the Bundeswehr.

As reported by the Berliner Morgenpost citing official data on Monday (5/10), this massive wave of refusals was triggered by the implementation of new military service laws in Germany.

The report also noted a sharp increase in the number of youths refusing military service on the grounds of conscience. The total number of such refusals is predicted to reach 20,000 this year.

At the same time, Germany has introduced mandatory military registration through compulsory health examinations for all men aged 18.

The law also allows for the reintroduction of compulsory military service, which was suspended in 2011, should the number of volunteers prove insufficient or the security situation deteriorate.

In such an event, the Bundestag may reactivate military service based on necessity, with part of the requirement potentially being fulfilled through a lottery system.