Germany’s SPD rejects conscription but pushes for a social service year

A bold shift in Germany’s defense strategy: higher pay and outreach over forced service. But will voluntarism alone fill the ranks?

, and Administrator

2025 November 22 . 9:02 PM

1 min read

In this picture there are people and soldiers. On right to the wall there is flag. At the top to... — In this picture there are people and soldiers. On right to the wall there is flag. At the top to the ceiling there are lights.

SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch has backed a mandatory social service year over reintroducing military conscription. He believes voluntarism, supported by better incentives, will ensure enough recruits for the armed forces. His comments come as the monthly stipend for military volunteers rises to €2,600.

Miersch has dismissed calls to bring back conscription through a lottery system. Instead, he argues that a national service year would demand constitutional changes—changes that do not yet exist. He remains optimistic that improved financial incentives and personal outreach will attract sufficient volunteers.

The SPD leader’s position suggests a shift toward voluntary military engagement rather than conscription. With higher pay and targeted outreach, the government aims to secure enough recruits without legal reforms. For now, constitutional hurdles remain for any broader national service requirement.