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New law requires approval for extended stays abroad
German males aged 17 to 45 must now seek official permission before spending more than three months outside the country, under a recently enacted defense overhaul.
Defense ministry confirms requirement
A spokesperson for Germany's defense ministry told the BBC that the rule, part of the Military Service Modernisation Act, took effect on January 1. The measure aims to maintain an accurate military registration system, ensuring authorities can locate individuals in case of a national emergency.
While approvals are typically granted, enforcement mechanisms for violations remain unclear. The regulation had gone unnoticed until Frankfurter Rundschau reported on it last week.
Historical context and exemptions
The legal foundation for the requirement dates back to Germany's 1956 Conscription Act, last amended in December. Previously, such reporting obligations only applied during states of national defense or mobilization.
A defense ministry official noted that a similar rule existed during the Cold War but had little practical impact. The ministry is now developing exemption guidelines to minimize bureaucratic hurdles, acknowledging the potential consequences for young travelers.
Broader military expansion plans
The modernization law sets a target of increasing Germany's active military personnel from 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035. In December, parliament approved voluntary military service, requiring all 18-year-olds to complete a questionnaire about their interest in joining the armed forces starting this year.
From July 2027, young adults will also undergo fitness assessments to determine their eligibility for service in the event of war. While women can volunteer, Germany's constitution prohibits mandatory service for them.
Public reaction and security concerns
The reforms have sparked protests, with critics arguing against mandatory training. One organizer wrote on social media: "We don't want to spend half a year in barracks, learning obedience and how to kill."
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has committed to rebuilding the Bundeswehr into Europe's strongest conventional army, citing heightened security risks following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011 under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, downsizing its forces after the Cold War.
