Germany’s Family Ministry is preparing the framework for a renewed compulsory civilian service if military conscription is reactivated. The ministry contacted 23 major welfare and social-service organisations about their ability to provide placements for conscientious objectors, with 22 saying they could do so in principle. Several welfare organisations nevertheless oppose relying on compulsory civilian labour.

The Social Association of Germany, or SoVD, would also prefer to retain voluntary models. Around 100,000 people currently perform one of the voluntary services each year, for example through the Voluntary Social Year or the Federal Voluntary Service.

Compulsory civilian service would represent “a substantial intervention by the state in the freedom and life planning of young people,” SoVD chairwoman Michaela Engelmeier told this editorial team. Rather than relying on coercion, voluntary engagement and volunteering should be promoted more strongly.

Read the entire piece in Berliner Morgenpost