In a seismic shift for European security, Germany is actively considering the reinstatement of military conscription amid growing concerns about Russia's aggressive posture, the Daily Mail can reveal.
The potential return of national service comes as the European Union issues its most stark warning to date, urging member nations to prepare for the possibility of full-scale conflict with Moscow.
Berlin's Defence Dilemma
German defence officials are reportedly examining multiple models for conscription revival, recognising the urgent need to bolster military numbers in what many are calling Europe's new era of confrontation.
The discussions represent a dramatic reversal for a nation that suspended compulsory military service in 2011, reflecting how profoundly security calculations have shifted since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
EU's Chilling Assessment
European Union defence chiefs have delivered a sobering assessment to member states, warning that national armies must accelerate preparations for potential engagement with Russian forces.
The confidential briefings, seen by security analysts, suggest that Europe's post-Cold War peace dividend has effectively ended, requiring a fundamental rethink of defence capabilities across the continent.
Military Readiness Under Scrutiny
Germany's potential conscription move highlights broader concerns about military readiness within NATO's European members. Many nations have allowed their armed forces to shrink significantly since the 1990s, creating potential vulnerabilities that could take years to address.
The German debate includes consideration of both traditional military conscription and more flexible models that might combine military service with civil defence roles.
Regional Security Implications
Should Germany proceed with conscription revival, it would mark the most significant European military expansion in decades, potentially influencing defence policies across the continent.
Eastern European nations particularly have been vocal about the need for enhanced collective security arrangements, with several already increasing their own military spending and conscription programmes.
Defence analysts suggest that Germany's move could trigger similar considerations in other major European powers, fundamentally reshaping the continent's security architecture for generations to come.
