Time of opportunity instead of compulsory service
Since the Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022, there has been renewed discussion in Germany about a general compulsory service. In the summer, Federal President Steinmeier spoke out in favour of introducing a "compulsory social service". At the beginning of November, he even suggested compulsory service across all ages. Prior to that, the CDU had decided at its 35th federal party congress in September to advocate the introduction of a compulsory "social year". However, the implementation of the project of such compulsory service to the state and society has met with a number of objections and concerns. A stronger emphasis on benefits and opportunities for the individual and a more flexible time frame could remedy the situation.