The recent activation of Germany’s modernized conscription law has prompted a stark warning from Eva Maria Welskop-Deffaa, President of the German Caritasverband, regarding the critical need to simultaneously bolster civil service alternatives. While the government coalition’s decision to allocate an additional €50 million to civil service programs this year represents “an important signal” Welskop-Deffaa emphasized the importance of fulfilling a prior commitment to ensure accessibility for young people from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
The current disparity in compensation between civil service and military roles – a nearly €2,000 difference in monthly earnings – is a significant point of contention. The Wehrdienstmodernisierungsgesetz’s recent increase in military pay, while intended to modernize the armed forces, has, according to Welskop-Deffaa, dramatically widened the gap and creates a substantial disincentive for young people considering non-military pathways. This widening income inequality calls into question the true intent of offering viable alternatives to national service.
Caritas is urging swift implementation of planned improvements for civil service programs. The current monthly stipend of approximately €640 for Bundesfreiwilligendienst participants stands in stark contrast to the €2,600 gross salary received by conscripts, a difference perpetuating a system that potentially marginalizes those who actively choose to contribute to society through alternative service.
Beyond compensation, Welskop-Deffaa’s call for a “mobility allowance equivalent to the Deutschlandticket” for all volunteers highlights the often-overlooked practical barriers faced by those undertaking civil service. Furthermore, she stressed the critical need for investment in the infrastructure supporting civil service organizations – a network comprised of social welfare groups, youth clubs and environmental organizations – many of whom have recently been forced to withdraw due to years of funding cuts, effectively diminishing the available options for young people. The focus on military modernization, Welskop-Deffaa implies, risks overshadowing the vital societal contribution of civil engagement and exacerbating existing inequalities.