A prominent Caritas official, Eva Welskop-Deffaa, has weighed in on the debate over the feasibility of Germany’s defense capabilities, advocating for a voluntary approach rather than reinstating conscription. In a guest article for the Frankfurt Allgemeine Zeitung, Welskop-Deffaa emphasized the need for a comprehensive concept that integrates voluntary military service into a broader year of social service for all.
The Caritas president argued that the number of individuals opting for voluntary military service would only increase significantly if the concept is designed as an integral part of a year of social service for all, encompassing both civil and social services. She called for a statutory right to support for all voluntary agreements, a state-financed volunteer allowance and an invitation to all high school graduates to explore the three pillars of the year of social service: military, civil and social services.
Welskop-Deffaa also cautioned against reviving the old hierarchies between military and alternative service. She believes that both engagements for outer security and social security deserve equal political and societal recognition. The official expressed optimism that if the federal ministers of family and defense were to come together and set the course for a comprehensive financing of all volunteer services in the 2025 federal budget, then voluntary service could become a compelling and attractive option for the protection of our freedom.