(de-news.net) – Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has reiterated his proposal for a universal social service program, advocating a model of “once in a lifetime, and for everyone.” He suggested that such service could be fulfilled across various sectors, including social institutions, emergency services such as the Federal Agency for Technical Relief and the German Fire Service, or within the German Armed Forces.

In light of ongoing debates surrounding conscription, Steinmeier expressed openness to integrating this civic duty with a potential reinstatement of mandatory military service. He underscored the importance of strengthening the Bundeswehr’s personnel capacity and called for contingency measures should current efforts to enhance its attractiveness prove ineffective.

The President’s remarks coincide with a two-day civic celebration at Schloss Bellevue, held in conjunction with the Week of Civic Engagement. Steinmeier personally welcomed approximately 4,000 volunteers, acknowledging their contributions to social cohesion and public welfare.

In a related initiative, the Kuratorium Deutsche Altershilfe has proposed offering complimentary Deutschland-Tickets to individuals engaged in voluntary service. Board Chair Dr. Regina Zurkuhlen emphasized the need to incentivize civic participation in a society founded on mutual support, suggesting additional pension credits and free public transport as viable measures.

This year’s campaign, themed ‘Active Against Loneliness,’ highlights the scope of voluntary engagement in Germany. According to the Foundation for Civic Engagement and Volunteering, nearly 29 million citizens are currently active in volunteer roles, with a further five million expressing willingness to participate.