The recent implementation of Germany’s modernized conscription law has sparked renewed scrutiny regarding the nation’s commitment to bolstering civilian service programs, according to Eva Maria Welskop-Deffaa, president of the German Caritasverband. While the government coalition’s pledge of a €50 million increase in funding for civilian service this year is acknowledged as a positive step, Welskop-Deffaa emphasized the crucial need to ensure equitable access, particularly for young people from lower-income backgrounds, as explicitly promised.
A significant point of contention lies in the stark disparity in compensation between civilian service and military personnel. The Wehrdienstmodernisierungsgesetz’s increase in salaries for those serving in the Bundeswehr has exacerbated this inequality, creating a widening gap in terms of allowances and pay. The current arrangement, with Bundesfreiwilligendienstleistende receiving approximately €640 per month compared to the roughly €2,600 earned by Bundeswehr recruits, presents a considerable disincentive for potential participants.
Welskop-Deffaa’s critique underscores a potential flaw in the government’s approach: prioritizing military modernization while seemingly neglecting the critical support structure for alternative pathways for national service. The president insists that the promised improvements for civilian service must be implemented “promptly” to avoid creating a two-tiered system that disadvantages those choosing non-military engagement.
Beyond equitable remuneration, Welskop-Deffaa is advocating for a “mobility allowance” equivalent to the cost of a Deutschlandticket for all civilian service participants. Furthermore, she highlights the importance of reinvestment into the network of organizations supporting these programs – social associations, youth clubs and environmental groups – arguing that previous budget cuts have forced many vital entities to withdraw from providing civilian service opportunities. The long-term implications of such cuts risk undermining the social fabric and limiting options for young people seeking alternatives to traditional military service, raising concerns about a potentially unbalanced national service landscape.
