Germany receives more than 12,000 applications for conscientious objection to military service — Anadolu Agency
In Germany, 12,102 applications for conscientious objection to military service were registered during the first eight months of 2026. This is more than three times the figure for all of 2025, when 3,879 such applications were filed, Anadolu Agency reports.
Who is submitting applications
According to a spokesperson for the Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA), the agency registered 2,249 applications for conscientious objection in 2024.
Media group RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland reported that applicants in 2026 include reservists, active military personnel and young men. This is happening despite the fact that compulsory conscription in Germany remains suspended.
Officials link the rise in applications to the new military service law, the deterioration of the international security situation and concerns about a possible military conflict in Europe.
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Military service rules
The law, which entered into force at the beginning of 2026, provides that all men turning 18 must complete a questionnaire about their physical fitness, skills and interest in joining the armed forces. Military service remains voluntary, but critics believe the government seeks to gradually restore conscription, starting with the questionnaire.
A medical examination is mandatory for men born in 2008 or later, but it is being introduced gradually due to limited capacity. Article 4 of Germany's Constitution guarantees the right to refuse armed military service on grounds of conscience. An applicant must submit a written application and a detailed personal explanation to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Personnel Management, which forwards the application to BAFzA for consideration.
The Bundeswehr has about 186,400 military personnel. The Ministry of Defence plans to increase the size of the armed forces to more than 260,000 people by 2035. To achieve this goal, 20,000 recruits need to be enlisted annually, and defence analysts consider this difficult without compulsory service if voluntary recruitment declines.
