Germany’s defence ministry has begun posting letters to 18-year-olds as a first step towards reactivating military service. Germany paused – but never abolished – compulsory military service in 2011. Faced with growing security threats from Russia, Germany is following European countries that have either reactivated or ramped up military service. It remains to be seen whether a voluntary approach will be sufficient, however, given that support for military service appears highest among those too old to serve. Protesters demonstrate against compulsory military service in front of the Defence Ministry in Berlin in August 2025.

Source: The Irish Times January 03, 2026 06:05 UTC