The war in Ukraine has pushed defence issues to the top of the agenda in Germany, where the federal government has confirmed that a military call-up will return as early as next year. All young men born from 2008 onwards will have to register and undergo medical exams, starting in 2027. To begin with, service will be voluntary. But if the ranks of Germany’s armed forces are not filled fast enough, authorities reserve the right to bring back compulsory conscription, which was suspended in 2011. This prospect is awakening old ghosts: war, the militarisation of youth and conscientious objection. Our correspondents report.
This story originally appeared on France24
Germany's youth opposed to return of military service
