Germany votes to bring in voluntary military service programme for 18-year-olds

The shift in its approach to its military follows a push to create Europe's strongest conventional army.

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It marks a significant shift in Germany's approach to its military and follows Chancellor Friedrich Merz's push to create Europe's strongest conventional army.

The change means that all 18-year-olds in Germany will be sent a questionnaire from January 2026 asking if they are interested and willing to join the armed forces. The form will be mandatory for men and voluntary for women.

Students at schools across Germany have said they will join strikes in as many as 90 cities on Friday to protest against the move.

Many young Germans either oppose the new law or are sceptical.