German males under 45 may need military approval for long stays abroad

The Military Service Modernisation Act, enacted on 1 January, introduces a new requirement for men aged 17 to 45 to obtain prior approval before staying abroad for more than three months. This change is tied to the introduction of voluntary military service in Germany, as outlined in the legislation. The measure aims to strengthen national defenses amid ongoing threats from Russia, particularly after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

New Law and Purpose

A defense ministry spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that males aged 17 and older must now seek military clearance for extended international stays. The rule is designed to ensure a robust military registration system, allowing authorities to track individuals overseas in case of emergencies. The requirement, however, has not received much attention until recent reports by the Frankfurter Rundschau highlighted its implications.

Travel Approval Requirement

Under the updated law, travel approvals are mandatory for stays exceeding three months. While the exact enforcement of this rule remains unclear, the defense ministry emphasized its importance in maintaining a reliable military record. The spokesperson noted that such measures were previously in place during the Cold War but had little practical use until now.

Legal Basis

The regulation is rooted in Germany’s 1956 Conscription Act, which has been revised multiple times. The latest amendment, passed in December, expands the scope of reporting extended stays abroad beyond times of national defense or mobilisation. This change marks a shift from the past, where compulsory service was abolished in 2011 under Angela Merkel’s leadership.

Voluntary Service Expansion

The law outlines plans to increase the active military personnel from approximately 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035. Starting in January, all 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire to express interest in joining the armed forces. By July 2027, they will also undergo a fitness test to assess eligibility for service in the event of war.

Women and Compulsory Service

Women are allowed to volunteer for military service but are not obligated to do so under Germany’s constitution. While the current system is voluntary, the government has stated that compulsory service could be considered if the security situation deteriorates or if recruitment targets are not met. This has sparked concern among young people, many of whom protested the change in recent weeks.

Historical Context

Germany’s military forces declined during the 1990s peace era, shrinking from nearly half a million troops during the Cold War to their current size. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to rebuild the Bundeswehr into Europe’s most formidable conventional army, responding to a perceived rise in regional security risks. Protests against the law have echoed these concerns, with one organizer stating:

“We don’t want to spend half a year of our lives locked up in barracks, being trained in drill and obedience and learning to kill.”