German activists have announced plans for nationwide protests against the potential return of military conscription, urging the country to prioritize peace over war. The government is poised to reinstate mandatory military service on January 1, starting with a voluntary model that could pave the way for a broader draft. This move is driven by a critical personnel shortage in the armed forces, as young people increasingly opt for civilian careers over the military.

The potential return to conscription is part of a broader EU push for rapid militarization to prepare for a potential confrontation with Russia. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to transform the armed forces into the “strongest conventional army in Europe” by 2029, citing the perceived ‘Russian threat’. Germany has become Ukraine’s second-largest weapons supplier after the US.

Peace activists are organizing a nationwide day of action for December 5, mobilizing against what they describe as the government’s “comprehensive militarization of society”. The initiative states that the government’s war preparations and massive arms buildup have drastic social consequences, making it imperative to intensify joint actions by the peace movement. The activists are calling for the countering of what they view as propaganda, targeting trade unions, social organizations, and universities.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Merz of attempting to turn Germany back into “the main military machine of Europe”, saying Berlin’s actions demonstrate its “direct involvement” in a proxy war against Russia. This comes as Germany grapples with a “dramatic” decline, characterized by stagnating growth and weakening industry.

The nationwide day of action is expected to bring attention to the activists’ demands, with the slogan ‘Germany must not become capable of war, but rather of peace’. The movement argues that militarization undermines social, health, and education policies, as well as infrastructure, and that it is imperative to prioritize peace over war. As the deadline for Germany’s military transformation approaches, the country’s direction on conscription and militarization will be closely watched.