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German Men File Record 5,862 Conscientious Objector Applications in First Half of 2026
Applications for exemption from armed service exceeded the full-year total for 2025. The increase follows a new policy requiring men aged 18 and over to register for potential service.
Jul 14, 11:08 AM·1m read1 source
The GuardianAudio version
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The federal office of family affairs and civil society functions received 5,862 applications for conscientious objector status in the first half of 2026, according to figures released Tuesday. This total surpassed the 3,879 applications recorded for all of 2025 and the 2,249 filed in 2024. The Guardian reported that 2,667 requests had been granted as of the end of May.
In 2025, authorities approved 2,830 applications. Germany maintains no active draft. Starting 1 January 2026, all men aged 18 and over must submit a form indicating readiness to serve and complete a medical examination.
Women are encouraged to volunteer but face no mandatory selection process. The policy was introduced by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. Germany’s constitution states that no one shall be compelled against their conscience to perform military service involving the use of arms.
The federal office rules on exemption requests after applicants submit a letter of intent, CV and personal statement. The CDU/CSU stated that if the target of 260,000 active volunteer soldiers is not met by 2035, conscription suspended since 2011 could be resumed. Germany currently fields about 186,000 active soldiers.
In the first quarter of 2026, 233 people waived previously granted objector status, following 781 such waivers in 2025. In 2011, 4,348 people applied for conscientious objector status.