In Germany, a security debate has sharpened around whether conscription should be reinstated and the Bundeswehr expanded to deter potential threats. The conversation has been most visible in Bavaria, where Markus Soeder, the head of the Christian Social Union, has urged authorities to think big about military readiness. He argued that a reinvigorated defense enterprise would require a sustained increase in resources and a modern manpower strategy that can act quickly in crisis situations. Soeder stressed that Germany must plan for a defense budget that rises toward three percent of GDP, coupled with a return to some form of obligatory civilian or military service that trains a broad base of citizens. He framed the goal as practical and timely, designed to strengthen deterrence and ensure rapid response capability across the alliance.
Soeder emphasized that both increased funding and a real service obligation are not optional luxuries but instruments for tangible outcomes. The idea of large-scale modernization covers personnel, equipment, and logistics. He argued that leaving defence modernization to market dynamics would leave Germany exposed when faced with a rapid threat environment. By integrating a period of service into the national timeline, the country could rebuild a skilled reserve, maintain operational readiness, and foster a sense of civic duty that aligns with the expectations of alliance partners. The approach would also accelerate the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies, from cyber resilience to intelligent munitions, enabling troops to keep pace with evolving security demands. It would, in his view, be a fast track to stronger national defense and a more capable European shield within the NATO framework.
With regard to NATO’s burden sharing, the longtime debate about defense spending has resurfaced. The focus has been on maintaining the 2 percent benchmark that many alliance members have pursued for years, with some advocating moving beyond it to secure a higher baseline for modernization. In the context of US political shifts, analysts and policymakers have argued that allied unity remains essential for shared security. In parallel, the broader strategy to revive economic competitiveness has pushed Germany to consider measures such as reducing energy costs and strengthening industrial competitiveness to ensure affordability for households and businesses alike. The question for policymakers is how to balance immediate economic relief with long-term defense commitments, so the country can participate fully in transatlantic security guarantees while pursuing domestic renewal.
Germany ended compulsory military service in 2011 as part of a broader reform of security and defense structures. Since then, the country has relied on professional volunteers and a flexible reserve to meet its obligations within NATO and EU frameworks. The debate over reviving some form of national service has persisted, framed by concerns about youth skills, national preparedness, and the capacity to contribute to a credible deterrent. Proponents argue that a new model could combine training with civic engagement, while critics warn about the costs and the potential disruption to civilian life. Regardless of the eventual choice, the period has underscored the enduring link between defense capability and national strategy in a rapidly changing security environment.
Security observers note that the federation of Europe remains mindful of the potential outcomes of US elections. The European Union and its member states have repeatedly signaled a readiness to adapt to whichever direction the United States chooses to pursue, with implications for NATO and the broader security architecture. The dialogues within Brussels and national capitals reflect a belief that alliance stability depends on credible deterrence, shared responsibilities, and a clear, practical plan for modernization. In this context, discussions about defense spending, energy policy, and strategic autonomy are unlikely to fade, as European leaders seek to maintain a strong, united stance in the face of evolving global challenges and the unpredictable dynamics of transatlantic relations.