Germany’s strict data protection laws are obstructing efforts to increase its armed forces, as highlighted by Patrick Sensburg of the Reservist Association, who noted the inability to contact nearly one million potential reservists due to privacy regulations. Following the suspension of conscription in 2011, the country lost track of former conscripts, which is problematic as Germany aims to bolster its military personnel and increase reservists from 60,000 to 260,000. The government plans to introduce a voluntary military service but faces challenges in reactivating former soldiers and ensuring effective communication with ex-service members.
