Service for peace
Service for Peace is opposed to the voluntary military service, to the massive funding of war at the expense of fundamental social rights, and to the culture of security. Instead, it is fighting for a society based on peace, social cohesion, respect for workers' rights, and a future for young people.
Upcoming events
Friday, November 20: Day of action against voluntary military service
Save the date !
Last year, Théo Francken sent a letter to all 17-year-olds urging them to enlist in the army. It shows that they need us to go fight their war.
But the youth want peace.
We will not fight their wars. Military budgets are skyrocketing across Europe. In Belgium, the "Arizona" coalition plans to spend 34 billion on new F-35s and military hardware. Yet for young people, education, or the climate? There is supposedly never any money.
On November 20, there will be anti-war actions across Europe. So, organize an action at your school or on your campus too, and together let’s spread the message: we will not fight their wars.
Frequently Asked Questions: "Voluntary Military Service"
In November 2025, all 17-year-olds living in Belgium (amounting to 149,000 individuals that year) received a letter by mail from the Belgian army inviting them to apply for "voluntary military service." In September 2025, the "Arizona" government passed a law mandating that this letter be sent annually for at least ten years.
Presented as "an opportunity for engagement and training" “een kans op engagement en opleiding”, this "voluntary military service" aims to take in 500 to 1,000 young people annually, starting in September 2026, for a one-year training program conducted within and by the armed forces. During the first four months, the participants live in barracks to undergo military training. They are subsequently integrated into active units and deployed within the country.
This military service is very well paid (over €2,000 net per month), highlighting the priority the government places on it.
Presented as an opportunity for commitment “in the service of the country,” this measure raises many questions: regarding the militarization of our society, the role of young people, the State’s budgetary priorities, and the very meaning of commitment.
The creation of this "Voluntary Military Service" passed through Parliament with almost no debate (following an urgent procedure conducted over the two summer months). Official opinions were nonetheless issued. The Council of State, the Data Protection Authority, and the Federal Public Service (FPS) Home Affairs all highlighted that the bill governing the dispatch of mail conflicted with Article 22 of the Belgian Constitution. This violation stems notably from the Belgian army’s access to the personal data of Belgian citizens—with the aggravating factor that the data concerns minors.
In practical terms, the letter invites young people to attend one of the information sessions organized by the army across the country. Attendance is mandatory for anyone wishing to apply. The army then makes a selection based on the applications received. In 2025, the army received 3,300 applications for 500 available spots (with 149,000 invitations sent out).
The purpose of these “frequently asked questions” is to help young people (and those who support them) understand the issues, ask their own questions, and form an informed opinion. If you have any other questions, please feel free to send them to us!
The FAQ is available in PDF format.
Theo Francken, the Minister of Defence, is going to send a letter to more than 130,000 17-year-olds to encourage them to join his new 'voluntary military service'.
The recruitment of young people is part of his plan to strengthen the army, alongside the billions in extra investment being channeled into military budgets.
We disagree with this societal choice. We disagree with the path we are on, hurtling towards war.
Let us invest in the future of the coming generations instead of in the current militarization. Let us invest in peace instead of in war.
As youth organizations, peace organizations, and/or citizens, we call for the signing and widespread dissemination of this counter-letter to Minister Francken:
Minister Francken,
As young people, we see images of war every single day: Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Congo… We are inundated by it.
And yet, you want to invest billions more into the army and push our generation into military service.
You choose to put money into an advertising campaign for the military rather than into society, preparing young people to risk their lives instead of building them.
Think of the stable and well-paid jobs for young people that could be created, the opportunities in education, the fight against climate change. If you insist on offering us a form of service, let it be one that supports our communities, healthcare, or the planet.
Instead of helping us build a strong future, all you are offering is a place in the army, taking advantage of the insecurity faced by many.
We zien het nu al, hoe ze in sommige Europese landen evolueren richting verplichte legerdienst voor alle jongeren.
You have the nerve to call our generation ‘lazy’ or ‘uninterested’, but that’s not true. Everyday we invest our time and energy into our sports clubs, youth movements, and communities. Yet in times of war, it is always us, the children of the working people, who are sent to the front line, not those of the rich.
We can already see how some European countries are moving towards compulsory military service for all young people. We refuse to serve as cannon fodder for your war - we demand peace!
Let us be clear - more weapons leads to more war. We care greatly about a secure future for everyone, but we will not follow orders or defend interests that do not represent us.
That's why we say: your military service? No thanks!
Met vriendelijke groeten
