At their national party congress in Hannover, Germany's Green Party clarified their positions on both military service requirements and Middle East policy following extensive and sometimes heated internal debates. The delegates reached key decisions that signal both continuity and change within the party's platform.

Approach to Military Conscription

The Green Party resolved to support mandatory medical assessments (known as 'Musterung') for young men, while stopping short of endorsing compulsory military service. The party emphasized its preference for voluntary service, rejecting the reintroduction of general conscription. To make voluntary service more attractive, the Greens called for improved conditions for both military and civil protection roles, as well as enhanced opportunities for voluntary engagement.

Additionally, the party advocated for the creation of a national coordination body to oversee crisis management, aiming to better utilize and develop the skills of volunteers for both civilian and military tasks. The debate within the party reflected differing opinions, especially among the youth wing, which voiced concerns about any form of mandatory requirement as a potential precursor to reinstated conscription. However, party leaders maintained that the proposed assessments do not represent a significant intrusion into personal freedom.

Nationally, there has been cross-party discussion about the potential reintroduction of compulsory service if voluntary enlistment does not meet targets. According to Germany's constitution, conscription remains legally possible and can be reinstated by parliamentary majority if deemed necessary in times of heightened security threats.

Revised Middle East Policy

The Green Party also adjusted its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The congress reaffirmed three core principles: the right of Israel to exist, the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and the inherent dignity of all individuals.

The party proposed that the German government should support collective European measures in relation to Israel, including the possibility of partially suspending the EU Association Agreement with Israel should the country fail to uphold its international obligations. The party stressed that cooperation in research and with civil society organizations must remain unaffected by any such measures. The agreement between the EU and Israel grants trade and customs benefits, contingent upon a mutual respect for human rights.

The congress text clarified that Germany's commitment to Israel's security, as a matter of national policy, does not override its responsibilities under international law or its obligations to uphold human rights standards.

Despite significant discussion, the delegates decided against immediate recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. Instead, they agreed that such recognition by Germany should be prioritized within the context of ongoing peace negotiations.

Context and Recent History

The policy debates took place against the backdrop of the October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas and other groups, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. The Greens, who were then part of the governing coalition, reflected critically on the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza, finding it disproportionate and in violation of international law. They acknowledged the extensive humanitarian impact on the Gaza population, while also condemning the initial attacks.

Upcoming Topics for the Greens

The congress, attended by around 800 delegates, is scheduled to address further issues including taxation, digital policy, economic and energy policy, and matters affecting local governments. Prominent party figures are expected to speak, and the outcomes will help shape the party's platform for the upcoming regional elections in Baden-Württemberg.