The proposal, backed by Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD), aims to shift German education from historical reflection toward practical readiness. Officials describe it as a civic—not military—initiative aligned with broader EU resilience strategies.

From History Lessons to Hands-On Readiness

Germany, known for its extensive teaching of World War II and Holocaust history, is now seeking to add practical training modules focused on self-protection, emergency behavior, and community preparedness.

Pilot programs in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia began in late 2025, integrating drills into existing subjects like physical education and social studies.

Training Content and Structure

The proposed curriculum includes evacuation and first aid drills, home emergency planning, and simulations for floods, cyberattacks, or power outages.

Students would learn to maintain 72-hour survival kits with essentials such as food, water, and flashlights.

Officials stress that no military-style training will be involved, distinguishing the plan from Poland’s youth shooting programs.

Budget and Institutional Framework

Under the €10 billion Civil Protection Pact (2024–2029), Berlin plans to modernize shelters, upgrade warning systems such as the NINA app, and strengthen municipal emergency vehicles.

The initiative ties into the EU Strategy for War-Related Crisis Preparedness, which lists 30 civilian-readiness measures across member states.

Support and Political Momentum

Supporters from across the political spectrum—including CDU lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter and the Federal School Students Council (BSK)—say it will build a “resilient generation.”

Stark-Watzinger argued that “society must be well prepared for crises ranging from pandemics to war.” The Greens’ Irene Mihalic urged extending the focus to climate-related disasters.

Opposition and Public Debate

Leftist leader Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) dismissed the plan as “madness” and “war mania,” calling instead for diplomacy and de-escalation.

Teachers’ union chief Stefan Düll cautioned against turning “schoolyards into parade grounds,” while critics warned of stoking fear among youth.

Despite pushback, polling suggests moderate public support for civil preparedness education, provided it avoids militarization.

Germany follows models from Finland and Sweden, where crisis preparedness is integrated into civic education.

Implementation across Germany’s 16 Länder may take up to two years, pending local approval.

The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) is developing teaching materials, and nationwide adoption could begin by 2027.