Germany’s President calls for return of conscription, urges Gaza Aid
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for the reintroduction of mandatory military service, citing heightened security threats in Europe amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. In a wide-ranging televised interview, he also criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump for escalating tensions with Iran and called on Israel to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Speaking during his annual summer interview with ZDF, Steinmeier declared that Europe is not only under threat of war but is already experiencing it. He accused Russia of having “destroyed the entire security architecture in Europe” through its invasion of Ukraine and argued that Germany must draw its own conclusions from this new reality.
Germany Must Prepare for Security Challenges
The German president stressed that Europe — and Germany in particular — must improve its defense readiness. “I support the return of conscription,” Steinmeier said, “because with the changing security situation in Europe, with an ongoing war, and the lessons we’ve drawn from it, the Bundeswehr’s personnel resources must be strengthened — and that can only happen if more young people are drafted.”
He also questioned whether voluntary military service alone could meet Germany’s defense needs, indicating that a compulsory model may be necessary to fill critical personnel gaps in the armed forces.
Steinmeier praised the outcomes of the recent NATO summit, calling them a success and emphasizing the importance of cooperation with European partners and transatlantic allies. “We must take better care of our own security. Not to wage war — but to prevent it,” he stated.
On Gaza, Israel, and U.S. Policy on Iran
Addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Steinmeier acknowledged Germany’s close relationship with Israel but underscored the urgent need for improved humanitarian access. “Israel is a friend and partner, but someone has to speak openly about these issues — and who better than us?” he asked.
The German president also addressed the recent Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, linking them to the collapse of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement. He criticized the Trump administration for unilaterally withdrawing from the accord, which he said opened the door to Iran’s further nuclear development. “At that time, Iran was far from achieving nuclear capabilities — something we must now fear,” he warned.
“Everyone involved — the Europeans, Americans, Russians, and Chinese — agreed that Iran should never obtain nuclear weapons. That consensus was broken by Trump’s decision,” Steinmeier noted.
A Call for Dialogue and Responsibility
Steinmeier’s remarks reflect growing concern in European capitals over the shifting global security order and the need for a balanced, principled foreign policy. As Germany debates its defense future and grapples with its role in Middle Eastern diplomacy, the president’s comments are likely to reignite both domestic and international debate.
