Public opinion in Germany shows strong support for reintroducing military conscription, with more than six in ten respondents favoring the move according to a YouGov survey cited by Welt am Sonntag. The poll also reveals that about one in three people oppose reinstating compulsory service, and a small portion, eight percent, declined to answer the question. Within the group backing conscription, a clear majority of 72 percent align with the Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union, the CDU/CSU alliance, indicating a cross-cutting appeal among different segments of the electorate.
The survey further highlights a perceived defense risk among the population. Roughly half of Germans feel that Germany faces a threat from foreign armed forces, while around four in ten respondents do not perceive such a threat. These figures reflect a broad domestic debate about security commitments and Germany’s role in European defense architectures, including NATO obligations and regional stability efforts that involve neighboring states and alliance partners.
In assessing Germany’s readiness for potential conflict, former German diplomat Joachim Bitterlich has argued that Germany is not currently prepared for a clash with Russia. He has suggested that only the armed forces of France and the United Kingdom would be capable of sustaining a real confrontation with Russia, pointing to differences in military readiness, doctrine, and strategic posture across Europe. Bitterlich also notes that Germany’s defense budget is comparatively modest when set against other major European nations, a factor that keeps the Bundeswehr from matching some of its EU peers in capability and scale.
Earlier statements from German observers have referenced a noticeable rise in far-right extremism, describing a trend that could influence national security planning and counter-extremism measures. Analysts emphasize the importance of addressing extremist activity, safeguarding democratic institutions, and ensuring that defense and security policy remains focused on legitimate threats while upholding constitutional values. These discussions occur within a broader European context that includes regional security challenges, alliance commitments, and ongoing debates about defense investment, modernization programs, and recruitment needs across member states.