The number of applications for conscientious objection in Germany has significantly increased following the introduction of a new form of military service. According to a spokesperson from the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society, as reported to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, 2,667 applications for refusal of military service were officially approved by the end of May. This suggests that the total number for this year is likely to reach its highest level since 2011.
While the total number approved for the entirety of 2025 stands at 2,830, this figure is already anticipated to be surpassed within the first half of the year. The refusal rate saw an abrupt decline after the mandatory military service was suspended in 2011: it dropped sharply from 87,590 in 2010 to 5,177 in 2011, and further down to 370 in 2012. However, since the debate surrounding a renewed military service began, the objection rates have started to show a noticeable upward trend again.
Concurrently, as the discussion regarding Germany’s defense capabilities intensifies, there is also a low-level increase in the number of individuals who previously served as civilian defenders but are now retracting their conscientious objector status. Since 2022, coinciding with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this number grew from 487 in 2022 to 781 last year. Furthermore, 357 citizens have declared their revocation of this refusal status as of May of this year. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence informed the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” that these individuals would then be registered in the database of those subject to military obligations between the ages of 18 and 60. These individuals could then undergo training in reserve exercises and subsequently be deployed for homeland defense purposes.
