Applications for conscientious objection have continued to climb in Germany amid a tense security environment and the introduction of a new military service law, official data show.
The reform, which took effect in January, introduces mandatory screening for young men born in 2008 or later as part of efforts to boost voluntary military recruitment. Parliament would be able to activate compulsory service if recruitment targets are missed. The rise in objections comes a day after Bavarian state premier Markus Söder called for the reintroduction of compulsory conscription.
According to the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions, 2,656 people applied in the first quarter of the year. By comparison there were 2,998 applications in all of 2024 and 3,867 in 2025. If the trend continues, 2026 could see the highest level of conscientious objection applications since conscription was suspended in 2011.
The data also show a number of applicants reversing earlier decisions: there were 781 such cases in 2025 and 233 in the first quarter of this year.