German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that the Bundeswehr needs to increase enlistment amid ongoing tensions with Russia. Pistorius indicated that Germany might need to revive conscription if enough people do not voluntarily join the army. Conscription was abolished in 2011, but recent considerations to bring it back stem from perceived “threats” from Russia.

The Social Democrats and Christian Democrats have agreed to introduce a “Swedish model,” combining selective mandatory and voluntary service. Pistorius addressed the Bundestag, emphasizing that the initial approach would rely on voluntarism to encourage young people to serve their country. However, he added that the emphasis is also on “initially,” suggesting that mandatory service could be reintroduced if volunteer recruitment falls short.

Germany aims to strengthen personnel levels to ensure the Bundeswehr is well-positioned for both homeland security and alliance defense in the medium and long term. Applications for military service have reportedly increased by more than 20% in the first quarter of 2025. The country plans to increase its active soldiers from 180,000 to over 200,000 by 2031. Previously, enlistment had dropped by 7% in 2023, making recruitment goals appear unrealistic to some politicians.

While Germany has supplied Ukraine with heavy weaponry, including Leopard 2 tanks, Berlin denies direct involvement in the conflict with Russia. Carsten Breuer, Germany’s top general, stated that the country was in a “grey zone” between full-scale war and complete peace. Pistorius suggested during a visit to Lithuania in January that Russia could prepare its army for a “theoretical attack” on NATO by 2029 or 2030.

Moscow has denied any plans to attack NATO member states and has accused Berlin of dangerous escalation, particularly after Friedrich Merz voiced support for supplying Kiev with Taurus long-range cruise missiles. Russia has warned that providing such weapons would make Germany a de facto participant in the conflict.