Thousands of young Germans are refusing to comply with a compulsory survey that could see them called up for military service, forcing the government to threaten fines and even jail time to enforce participation.
Since January, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government has sent more than 200,000 mandatory notices to 18-year-old men under a new system designed to rebuild the Bundeswehr. Recipients must provide details on their health, fitness, and willingness to serve—information that will be used to decide who is selected.
