Germany suspends approval for military-aged men travelling abroad
Germany has suspended a contentious requirement for military-aged men to obtain prior approval for lengthy stays abroad, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed on Thursday. The directive, part of the new Military Service Modernisation Act that came into force on 1 January, had drawn considerable public and media attention.
Controversy and Clarification
The Act re-introduced military service in principle, aiming to bolster Germany's defences in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A provision within the legislation had mandated that males aged 17 and older secure permission for stays abroad exceeding three months. This requirement, largely unnoticed until recently, caused widespread concern but is not believed to have been applied.
Mr Pistorius addressed the controversy directly, stating to the German Press Agency (DPA), “Whether they are 17 or 45, or anywhere in between – everyone is, of course, free to travel and currently does not need permission to do so.” He further clarified that “During this peacetime period, there will be no permission procedures. We are suspending the permission requirement as long as military service is voluntary.”
Future Preparedness
Despite the suspension, Mr Pistorius defended the regulation as a “precautionary measure” and indicated that appropriate procedures would be established for implementation in the event of a national crisis. The Military Service Modernisation Act currently operates on a voluntary basis, with conscription only to be enacted if insufficient numbers volunteer for the armed forces.
Since January, all 18-year-old men in Germany receive a mandatory questionnaire to assess their interest and willingness to join the Bundeswehr, while it remains voluntary for women. From July 2027, all 18-year-old men will also undergo a medical examination to determine their fitness for potential military service, aligning with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's stated ambition to create Europe's strongest conventional army.
