According to current data, children and young people in Germany have a clear opinion on their own life plans and the public debate about compulsory service or the reintroduction of compulsory military service. In a survey conducted by the Liz Mohn Foundation, the 12- to 18-year-olds who were interviewed expressed their willingness to contribute to society: at 53 percent, more than half are in favor of introducing a general, freely selectable compulsory service. However, 49 percent believe that this service should not necessarily be performed in the German Armed Forces.
It also becomes apparent that both male and female respondents are in favor of compulsory service regardless of gender (61 percent). The opinions of children and young people in Germany are hardly taken into account in the public debate on the reintroduction of compulsory military service. Yet they are the ones who are directly affected by political decisions.
Furthermore, according to the study, children and young people in Germany have a clear opinion on Germany’s role in the world: 59 percent of those surveyed agree with the statement that Germany should stay out of other countries’ problems, crises, and conflicts. 66 percent are in favor of Germany remaining neutral during an international trade conflict between China and the US. Children and young people are particularly positive about the role of the European Union (56 percent positive) and Germany (52 percent positive) in the world. Respondents also want both to play a greater leadership role in the world (EU: 52 percent, Germany: 47 percent). The opinion research institute Ipsos surveyed 800 children and young people in Germany on behalf of the Liz Mohn Foundation.
