FÖJ Action Day

Von Redaktion Landespolitik | 09.07.2026 14:02 | Lesedauer: 2 minutes

The Prime Minister and the Environment Minister exchanged views with the current FÖJ cohort and NABU Saarland on environmental and nature conservation topics. The Voluntary Ecological Year offers young people valuable opportunities for career entry and environmental engagement. The focus was on the

Ann-Sophie Ruf

FÖJ spokesperson Maria Süßmilch (second from right) presents a campaign by the c

Exchange on environmental protection and future voluntary ecological year plans in Saarland

Prime Minister Rehlinger and Minister Berg in exchange with FÖJ cohort and NABU

At the invitation of the participants of the Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ) as well as NABU Saarland, Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger and Environment Minister Petra Berg visited the Neuhaus Forest House in the primeval forest at the gates of the city on July 7th.

“The FÖJ is very important as a career entry point and as a connection to environmental and animal protection. These are good and important positions that give young people a chance to learn and find themselves. The commitment of the young people can serve as a role model for many to integrate environmental protection and sustainability more strongly into our everyday lives,” says Petra Berg.

Premier Rehlinger adds: "50 young people are providing a valuable service to our society. They stand up for our precious asset, nature. Whether in species protection, environmental monitoring, sustainable management of our forests, or through accompanying public relations – they develop a deep understanding of conservation and sustainability and acquire new skills and abilities, no matter where the path leads them."

The focus of the meeting was the exchange with the current FÖJ cohort 2025/2026 and representatives of NABU Saarland. During a discussion and Q&A session, the participants talked about the importance of ecological commitment, the future of the Voluntary Ecological Year, as well as the state government's plans for the FÖJ.

As part of the visit, the FÖJ participants presented the nearby orchard meadow, which they had created in cooperation with the SaarForst state operation.

Afterwards, there was a joint barbecue.

Background on the FÖJ:

The voluntary ecological year (FÖJ) has been conducted in Saarland since 1994. Currently, Saarland offers 50 places for the voluntary ecological year. For the current year group, all places could be filled as of 01.09.2025.

Applications for the FÖJ are currently still possible until 15.07.2026.