The Chairman of the German Bundestag’s Defence Committee, Thomas Röwekamp, is advocating for a universal year of national service encompassing both men and women, as well as foreign residents of Germany. He argues that relying solely on voluntary service or reinstating conscription for German men would be insufficient for long-term recruitment needs and would represent a societal inequity.
Röwekamp, speaking to the news outlet “Welt” stated his belief that society can reasonably expect a year of service from all individuals – men, women and those of both German and foreign descent. He envisions a system where all citizens have an obligation to contribute to society through a year of service in a chosen institution.
Highlighting the significant number of young people – approximately 700,000 – leaving the education system annually, Röwekamp emphasized the need to convey the understanding that peace, freedom, democracy and prosperity are not guaranteed by others, but require individual contribution. This principle, he argues, should extend to both women and foreign nationals living in Germany.
“I believe it is unfair that women are currently not obligated to serve” Röwekamp stated, adding that requiring service only from German citizens is also insufficient for fostering social cohesion. “We need the solidarity of an entire generation.
Röwekamp acknowledges that implementing such a universal service year would necessitate a constitutional amendment, for which there is currently no parliamentary majority. He therefore proposes initiating a public discussion and building support for this “new idea of service to society”.