Against compulsory service in any form - No steps towards coercion!

On Wednesday, 27.08.2025, the Military Service Modernisation Act (WDModG) was passed by the Merz Cabinet in the offices of the Federal Ministry of Defence. Paragraph 2a of the Military Service Modernisation Act proposes the obligation to serve in the armed forces if the "defence policy situation" requires it, but the term "defence policy situation" is not clearly defined. The proposal to introduce compulsory military service by simple statutory order is not constitutional, according to a legal opinion commissioned by Greenpeace. We call on the members of the Bundestag to speak out in favour of deleting this paragraph 2a in the parliamentary procedure. We also call for the deletion of Article 12a of the Basic Law.

Young people born after 31 December 2007 are to be sent an online questionnaire by the Bundeswehr from 1 January 2006. This involves the collection of personal data (gender entry, marital status, other nationalities, height and weight, educational qualifications, other qualifications, etc.). Answering this questionnaire and a declaration of willingness will therefore be mandatory for persons of legal age with a male gender entry.From July 2027, conscription will also be mandatory for all 18-year-old males.

Compulsory service (e.g. military service) is a significant encroachment on freedom and self-determination. That is why we have joined forces to oppose all forms of compulsory service and, in particular, preparatory measures that facilitate the move towards compulsory military service. We see such preparatory measures in the draft law to modernise military service - the Military Service Modernisation Act (WDModG).The proposal put forward by the Federal Government is a further step towards the militarisation of society, which we oppose. On the basis of international humanitarian law, we are in favour of strengthening diplomatic channels to resolve international conflicts and believe that it is in the public interest to prevent wars rather than prepare for them. It is clear to us that we are against forcing people to serve in the armed forces.

If you want young people to decide to serve society, you have to strengthen these voluntary services and voluntary work. Any cuts in the federal budget to funding for voluntary services sends exactly the wrong signal. They must be equipped in such a way that it is possible for everyone to decide to do voluntary service.In view of the sometimes precarious training and working conditions in the civilian sector, young people from precarious households in particular are being pushed into military service.At the same time, they must be more strongly embedded in career guidance for young people, as voluntary service offers great opportunities not only for young people to familiarise themselves with professional fields, but also for employers. Strengthening voluntary services would therefore help society as a whole in many areas. Compulsory services would only impose further constraints on young people.We are therefore calling for a right to voluntary service with corresponding social and monetary recognition instead of a duty.

"The Military Service Modernisation Act is a dangerous step backwards - it opens the door to the reactivation of compulsory military service and undermines the right to self-determination," criticises Tim Roschig, federal spokesperson for linksjugend ['solid].

Katharina Rummenhöller, board member of the Free Association of Student Organisations (fzs), the nationwide student representative body: "Young people deserve a right to volunteer, not an obligation to serve. Anyone who wants commitment must strengthen voluntary services instead of reviving compulsory military service."

"Anyone who takes freedom seriously must not take any steps towards coercion - neither through compulsory service nor through hidden preparations for it," says Joshua Kensy, Chairman of ver.di Youth.

Whether by lottery or other sleight of hand: We stand together against any kind of obligation!

Questions can be sent to:

linksjugend ['solid]: Jannik Starcke +49 151 50945352 or jannik.starcke[at]linksjugend-solid.de

fzs: Katharina Rummenhöller +49 151 16807671 orvorstand[at]fzs.de

ver.di. Youth: Joshua Kensy +40 152 22891701 or joshua.kensy[at]verdijugend.org