At their federal party congress in Hannover, the German Greens voted for mandatory conscription checks for young men. The party stresses voluntariness and rejects compulsory military service. The aim is to make military service and voluntary engagements more appealing.
Delegates of the German Greens discussed military service at their federal party congress in Hannover and voted in favor of mandatory conscription checks for young men. «We clearly emphasize voluntariness beyond that», states the party resolution. Compulsory military service is rejected; instead, military service, civil protection, and voluntary engagements should become more attractive. The party plans a coordination office for national crisis management to record volunteers' competencies and provide training opportunities.
The debate was shaped by warnings about the Russian threat. Several speakers described Russia's actions in Ukraine and cautioned against Vladimir Putin's power ambitions as a danger to Europe. Many delegates advocated expanding voluntary services and criticized coercive measures. «In a democracy, the state courts engagement, it does not enforce it», said one delegate. References were made to burdens on young people, such as during the Corona crisis, dilapidated schools, or the climate crisis.
There was internal party criticism: Greens Youth co-chair Luis Bobga warned that mandatory checks are «nothing other than a first step toward conscription through the back door». Bundestag member Nyke Slawik countered that the intrusion into personal freedom is manageable. In the broader context, the Union and SPD have agreed on a new military service model with nationwide checks, including targets for troop buildup. If volunteer numbers are low, the Bundestag could decide on a needs-based conscription with a lottery system. Starting in 2026, men from the 2008 birth year onward will be checked, and women will receive a questionnaire. Conscription has been suspended since 2011 but remains enshrined in the Basic Law and applies only to men. The plans are set to be passed in the Bundestag next week.
The Greens call for a debate on the changing security situation, with young people's perspectives at the forefront and all generations contributing.