Germany is considering a potential return to mandatory military conscription, with discussion focused on a possible timeline around 2027. A senior German lawmaker, Thomas Röwekamp, head of the Bundestag defense committee, says Germany could have little choice but to revive conscription if voluntary recruitment does not meet needs. The proposal centers on whether current efforts to staff the armed forces are sufficient.
Separately, reporting indicates Berlin is planning to strengthen its military. Germany has committed to increasing its troop strength to at least 260,000 soldiers by 2035, up from roughly 185,000 currently. This wider effort to expand and modernize the armed forces is presented as part of the context for considering conscription.
The sources also note that any decision on conscription is expected by late July 2027, with one outlet specifying July 31, 2027. The accounts describe the move as contingent on recruitment outcomes rather than as an already finalized policy.
