Trending:Putin India Visit LiveIndia-Russia tiesIndiGo crisisNew Mossad chiefCloudflare outageShafali Verma exclusiveDhurandhar reviewGermany votes to introduce voluntary military conscription for 18-year-olds as Ukraine war drags onFP News Desk • December 6, 2025, 08:02:14 ISTWhatsapp Facebook TwitterUnder the changes, young adults in Germany will be handed out a questionnaire from January 2026, asking them whether they would like to join the militaryAdvertisementSubscribe Join Us+ Follow us On GoogleChoose Firstpost on GoogleRepresentative image. Reuters fileGermany’s parliament, the Bundestag, has voted to introduce voluntary military conscription for 18-year-olds, as the Russia-Ukraine war keeps Europe on edge. The move follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement last month that the country is considering reintroducing military service on a voluntary basis. The development marks a significant change in Germany’s approach to army hirings and reflects Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s push to create Europe’s strongest conventional army. German MPs approved the change by a vote of 323 to 272, making Germany the latest European country to introduce a revamped form of military service. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADWhat are the new rules?Under the changes, young adults in Germany will be handed out a questionnaire from January 2026, asking them whether they would like to join the military. While the forms would be mandatory for boys, girls can fill them out voluntarily. However, if enlistment numbers are too low, the bill permits the introduction of needs-based conscription. This would require a separate parliamentary vote and could involve random selection if more eligible citizens come forward than are needed. More from World 'No mistrust between US & Europe on Ukraine,' says Macron after leaked call revealed his scepticism Israel delivers Arrow-3 missile defence system to Germany in record $4.6 billion dealMeanwhile, all men born after January 1 2008, will be required to undergo medical examination.
