Members of Germany’s Green party are raising legal concerns regarding the government’s proposed new military service plan and are questioning whether the legislation will be enacted on schedule. Sara Nanni, the Green party’s spokesperson on security policy, indicated that the Defense Ministry’s draft legislation presents potential challenges related to equality and conscription fairness, potentially posing legal risks.
Nanni highlighted the constitutional implications should a mandatory service period ultimately be implemented, specifically questioning the legality of applying such obligations to only a segment of eligible male citizens. She suggested that the Federal Constitutional Court would likely be called upon to address the issue, potentially causing significant social unrest, echoing concerns that previously led to the suspension of compulsory military service.
While acknowledging the rationality of the Defense Ministry’s initial focus on voluntary service, Nanni anticipates legal challenges regarding gender equality should a conscription system be established. She posited that, given current societal developments, the compatibility of male-only conscription with constitutionally guaranteed equal rights for men and women remains an open question.
Nanni expressed doubt that the governing coalition will achieve parliamentary approval of the legislation as currently proposed, allowing it to take effect on January 1, 2026. She cited unresolved conflict surrounding demands from the conservative opposition for an automatic trigger for compulsory service as a key obstacle. She indicated she would advise her parliamentary group to withhold support, emphasizing that the coalition must secure sufficient votes independently.
Nanni also suggested the timing for the proposed automatic trigger is premature, given that the Bundeswehr has not yet fully explored options for achieving its recruitment goals without resorting to compulsory service. She further stated that simply increasing the number of conscripts will not, on its own, resolve the Bundeswehr’s personnel problems and that retaining existing soldiers and strengthening reserve forces are crucial considerations. She described the current state of reserve force development as “disastrous”.