Universal Civil Service
Assifero is a titular entity for Universal Civil Service
Universal Civil Service represents an important opportunity for young people to grow personally and an opportunity to learn about active citizenship. Young volunteers, engaged in projects aimed at the unarmed and nonviolent defense of the country, contribute with their commitment and participation to the social, cultural and economic development of Italy.
Since 2020, Assifero has been registered in the Civil Service Register as a titular entity and to date has 115 accredited host organisations and 195 active sites throughout the country.
To date, the Universal Civil Service and the specific programs of Environmental and Digital Civil Service are active.
Civil Service is addressed to young people of Italian citizenship, or of one of the other member states of the European Union or of a non-European Union country with legal residence in Italy. The main requirements are: age between 18 and 28 years, no convictions and never having carried out such experience.
The Civil Service was established in 1972 as a right of conscientious objection to military service. Being an alternative to military conscription, Civil Service is in its early years mandatory.
Law No.64/2001 establishes the National Civil Service, which becomes a voluntary service, intended for young people aged 18 to 26 and also open to women.
Article 1 of Law No.64/2001 states that National Civil Service is aimed at:
- contributing, as an alternative to compulsory military service, to the defense of the homeland by non-military means and activities;
- promoting the realization of the constitutional principles of social solidarity;
- promoting solidarity and cooperation, nationally and internationally, with special regard to the protection of social rights, individual services and education for peace among peoples;
- participating in the preservation and protection of the Nation's heritage, with particular regard to the environmental sectors, including agriculture in mountain area, forestry, historical-artistic, cultural and civil protection;
- contributing to the civic, social, cultural and professional training of young people through activities carried out also in institutions and administrations operating abroad.
In 2005, compulsory military service was discontinued, while the path of Civil Service as a voluntary choice of young people continued.
Participation in Civil Service is regulated by selection notices published by the Department of Youth Policy and Universal Civil Service in the Official Gazette. These notices contain the procedures for the submission and selection of applications, and the list of approved Civil Service projects in which it is possible to participate.
On March 6, 2017, with Legislative Decree No. 40, Civil Service becomes Universal, with the aim of making this experience accessible to all young people who wish to undertake it.
On December 11, 2020, the “National Day of Universal Civil Service,” set for December the 15th of each year, is established by directive of the Prime Minister, in order to give appropriate recognition to the meritorious commitment and dedication of all young people who participate in the implementation of Universal Civil Service.
By Law No. 74 of 2023, a reservation of 15 percent of positions in public competitions and for the recruitment of non-management personnel is established in favor of volunteer workers who have completed universal civil service without demerit.
For further information
Chiara Cetrulo
