German men between the ages of 17 and 45 are now mandated to obtain official authorization before embarking on extended stays abroad, following the implementation of the Military Service Modernisation Act.
The new legislation, which became effective on 1 January, represents a strategic effort to bolster national security in response to heightened threats from Russia, reports BBC.
According to a spokesperson for the defence ministry, the requirement applies to any stay outside the country lasting more than three months. The ministry stated that the regulation is essential for maintaining a “reliable and meaningful military registration system,” ensuring that the government is aware of the location of potential service members during emergencies.
While the ministry indicated that travel permissions are generally granted, officials are currently drafting specific exemptions to minimize administrative burdens on young citizens.
The legal framework for this measure is rooted in the 1956 Conscription Act, which underwent its most recent amendments in December.
Prior to these changes, the obligation to report long-term travel was triggered only during periods of national mobilisation or active defence. A ministry official observed that while a similar provision existed during the Cold War, it had little practical impact at that time.
This policy change aligns with a broader plan to expand the Bundeswehr from its current strength of approximately 180,000 personnel to 260,000 by 2035. Since January, the government has begun distributing questionnaires to all 18-year-olds to assess their interest in voluntary service.
Furthermore, starting in July 2027, these individuals will be required to undergo medical and fitness evaluations to determine their eligibility for service in the event of a conflict.
Under Germany’s constitution, women are permitted to volunteer but cannot be forced into military service. While the current recruitment strategy relies on volunteers, the government has not ruled out the reintroduction of compulsory service if the security climate deteriorates or if recruitment targets are not met.
Consumed by these shifts, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has committed to establishing the most powerful conventional army in Europe.
Compulsory military service was previously halted in 2011 during Angela Merkel’s tenure as chancellor. The recent legislative changes have prompted demonstrations from young people, with some activists expressing strong opposition on social media to the prospects of military training and discipline.
While the exact enforcement of travel breaches remains unspecified, the defence ministry has acknowledged that the new rules could have “far-reaching” implications for the youth.
