The German government is proactively preparing for the potential reinstatement of compulsory military service, including the re-establishment of a civilian service option. Federal Family Minister Karin Prien emphasized the need for advanced planning given a noticeable increase in individuals requesting conscientious objection, even before the formal conscription process begins.
Minister Prien, whose ministry oversees civilian service matters, highlighted that preparations are necessary to provide responses to these increasing requests. The current Federal Office for Family and Civil Society Affairs (BAFzA) – which incorporates the former Federal Agency for Civilian Service – is responsible for handling these cases. The office previously employed 600 staff and retains residual infrastructure due to ongoing, albeit limited, cases of conscientious objection processing since the suspension of compulsory service in 2011. While the Minister refrained from disclosing current staffing figures or potential expansion plans, she acknowledged the growing workload and the government’s need to address it.
The number of applications for conscientious objection has risen significantly in recent months, with over 1,500 received in the first half of the year alone – a stark contrast to historically low numbers.
The 2011 suspension of compulsory military service effectively ended both military and civilian service, replaced by the Federal Volunteer Service. However, the recent shift in the European security landscape has prompted the Federal Cabinet to propose legislation introducing a new form of compulsory service. This draft includes a system of registration for young men and prioritizes voluntary participation alongside incentives for service.
Minister Prien expressed support for extending any future compulsory service to include women, framing it as a matter of gender equality. She advocated for a mandatory “year of service” for both men and women and suggested that a constitutional amendment may be necessary to incorporate women into a conscription system.