Belgium has taken a significant step towards empowering its youth and fostering a culture of civic engagement with the recent adoption of the law establishing the Citizen Service. This momentous milestone is the result of more than 15 years of dedicated advocacy led by the Platform for the Citizen Service. The law not only bestows young people with a symbolic and legally protective status but also ensures fair compensation for their voluntary service.
In a continent where civil services have been gaining momentum since the turn of the century, Belgium has made commendable progress with the institutional recognition of its Citizen Service. The law, proposed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Pierre-Yves Dermagne, under the impetus of the Platform for the Citizen Service, marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to youth engagement.
The formalization of the Belgian civil service system with an annual budget of 7.5 million euros opens the door for nearly a thousand young people to participate in the program each year. While this is a commendable start, the figure pales in comparison to other European programs, which engage over 300,000 young people annually through robust legal frameworks and substantial investments in their future.
The Citizen Service program provides young people with the opportunity to voluntarily dedicate 6 months to one year to working with organizations that serve the general interest, encompassing areas such as social action, environment, culture, education, health, heritage, and civil protection. Participants benefit from civic awareness modules covering democratic values, environmental and climate issues, cohabitation, and first aid, for 15 to 25 days per year. Notably, the Belgian model focuses on organizing the Citizen Service in groups of 20 young people from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing social and cultural inclusivity. Furthermore, an allowance of €550 per month, which can be combined with other social benefits, ensures that the program is accessible to all.
With its emphasis on equal opportunities and promoting social and cultural diversity, the Citizen Service is not only a platform for youth to contribute to society but also a means for them to find their place within it. This law and its associated budget mark a significant stride as Belgium establishes a comprehensive public policy of citizen mobilization, enabling individuals aged 18 to 25 to make long-term commitments to serving society.
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