A civic service for Luxembourg. Now!
In light of the massive increase in defense spending planned for next year and the statements made by Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, Fokus is calling for part of this spending to be invested in the introduction of civilian service. Compulsory service, which should be certified and remunerated, can be performed either in the civilian or military sector. The model for our proposal is Austria, where this service has existed for just over 50 years. The aim is to promote young people’s commitment to the community and to better prepare society for times of crisis, for example when natural disasters or health crises hit the country.
The demand for a civilian service is all the more urgent in light of current developments.
Luxembourg must make its spending as sustainable as possible; in this sense, we consider the financing of a civilian service to be far more sustainable than investments in weapons, weapons systems or other military equipment, especially given the limited number of Luxembourg soldiers. Civilian service means expanding the range of training opportunities in the social, medical or military fields and thus investing sustainably in the education of young people.
FOKUS. believes that a civilian service, similar to that in Austria, could strengthen volunteer work, including in the healthcare sector, where there will be a great need in this country in the coming years.
Civilian service would make the country more crisis-proof and improve its ability to defend itself against all kinds of threats. It would also bring together young people from all walks of life, introduce them to fundamental values, strengthen voluntary service and promote cohesion in society.
Luxembourg, March 8, 2025
