Will Germany bring back mandatory military conscription next year?

Core Impact Points

• Germany's military recruitment drive has only drawn 500 recruits so far this year, prompting concerns that conscription may be necessary to meet its targets.
• The country aims to increase its active-duty force by 80,000 men and women to 260,000, and has sent over 300,000 letters to 18-year-olds to gauge their willingness to join the armed forces.
• The move has sparked opposition from students and activists who argue it will force young people to choose between education and military service, and has led to three large-scale demonstrations attended by 50,000 young people across 90 German cities.
• The German government has repealed a clause that required young men to seek prior approval for long stays abroad, but the issue remains contentious and the campaign group will continue efforts to mobilise wider support.
• The decision on whether to reintroduce conscription will be made based on Germany's reading of wider geopolitical challenges, including the reliability of the United States and the threat posed by Russia.
• The move has implications for the US market, as Germany is a key NATO ally and any changes to its military recruitment policies could impact the alliance's overall strength and stability.