Germany sees surge in military service refusals

The number of German military personnel seeking to refuse service in combat units has surged sharply, fueling debate over the possible return of compulsory military service.

According to data obtained by the RND editorial network from the Federal Office for Family and Civil Society Tasks (BAFzA), 1,363 applications for reassignment were submitted in the first half of 2025 alone — nearly matching the total for all of last year. In comparison, BAFzA recorded 2,241 such requests in 2023, 951 in 2022, and 1,079 in 2021, Caliber.Az reports. 

The spike in applications comes amid growing public concern that Germany may reinstate mandatory military service, which was suspended in 2011.

“This is a clear signal against the reintroduction of mandatory service,” said Michael Schulze von Glaßer, political director of the organization German Peace Society – United War Resisters. He noted the figures reflect “justified anxiety among many citizens” who fear the government may move toward new forms of forced conscription.

The German government has not officially announced plans to bring back the draft, but Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has repeatedly said the idea is under discussion in light of growing security threats in Europe.

By Sabina Mammadli