Poll of German youth finds war is biggest fear

Study conducted by Shell oil company indicates 81% of respondents are concerned about military conflict breaking out in Europe

The vast majority of young people in Germany are concerned about the possibility of a major war in Europe, a recent survey has indicated. The study conducted by the British multinational oil and gas company Shell, attributes this particular finding to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.  

In June, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz approved the country’s new contingency plans for a potential war – the first such update since 1989. Berlin cited perceived threats emanating from Russia, with the framework envisaging, among other measures, the reinstatement of compulsory military service. 

Around the same time, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told lawmakers that the country must be “ready for war” by 2029. He stressed the importance of swelling the ranks of the Bundeswehr, suggesting at least partial reintroduction of the draft, which was abolished in 2011. 

Published on Monday and titled ‘Pragmatism Between Disillusionment and Embracing Diversity,’ the poll gauged the opinions of 2,509 Germans aged between 12 and 25 on a range of issues. It showed that “fear of war in Europe” was the top concern (81%) among young people. Economic concerns and possible rising poverty were the second top concern, expressed by 67% of respondents.

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The researchers also noted that 55% of the young respondents said they were interested in politics, a marked increase from the 34% registered in 2002.  

In January, Pistorius told public broadcaster ZDF that Germany should be prepared to “wage a war that is forced upon us” in the future and arm up now.  

In July, Washington and Berlin agreed that US cruise missiles will be stationed in Germany from 2026. According to the German defense chief, the planned deployment would “give us the time that we need” to develop similar weapons domestically. Such a move would previously have been banned under the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, which Washington withdrew from in 2019. 

Commenting on the development at the time, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that “if the US implements such plans, we will consider ourselves free from the previously adopted moratorium on the deployment of medium- and short-range strike weapons,” and said Russia “will take mirror measures” to deploy these systems.