Germany approves voluntary military draft for 18-year-olds; youth protest

• Germany's Bundestag voted to introduce voluntary military conscription for 18-year-olds, influenced by the Ukraine war.
• Starting January 2026, 18-year-olds will receive questionnaires; mandatory for boys, voluntary for girls.
• The bill allows for needs-based conscription with a separate parliamentary vote if voluntary enlistment numbers are too low.
• All men born after January 1, 2008, must undergo medical examinations to determine operational capability.
• Many young Germans oppose the changes, with students planning protests against the reintroduction of conscription.

Why It Matters: Germany's new conscription policy impacts youth and signals a major European defense shift.