Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has announced that men of military age in the country will no longer need to report lengthy stays abroad. The decision comes amid discussions on the implications of the Military Service Modernisation Act, which was enacted to enhance defenses due to threats, particularly from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Previously, a requirement was in place mandating men aged 17 and older to seek prior approval for travel exceeding three months. This regulation attracted criticism after it was reported by a German newspaper last week, raising alarms about its potential enforcement. While it was largely unrecognized, Pistorius confirmed the exemption, stating that '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 there would be no need to report prolonged stays abroad under current peacetime conditions, with the suspension of permission procedures as long as military service remains voluntary. However, measures will be put in place for crisis situations.
The Military Service Modernisation Act, while reinstating conscription, is only applicable if voluntary enlistment fails to meet required numbers. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized a goal to establish Europe's strongest conventional army, with all 18-year-olds in Germany receiving mandatory questionnaires about their interest in military service. Future regulations will require that, starting in July 2027, all 18-year-old men undergo a medical examination to determine their eligibility for possible conscription.
Previously, a requirement was in place mandating men aged 17 and older to seek prior approval for travel exceeding three months. This regulation attracted criticism after it was reported by a German newspaper last week, raising alarms about its potential enforcement. While it was largely unrecognized, Pistorius confirmed the exemption, stating that '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 there would be no need to report prolonged stays abroad under current peacetime conditions, with the suspension of permission procedures as long as military service remains voluntary. However, measures will be put in place for crisis situations.
The Military Service Modernisation Act, while reinstating conscription, is only applicable if voluntary enlistment fails to meet required numbers. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized a goal to establish Europe's strongest conventional army, with all 18-year-olds in Germany receiving mandatory questionnaires about their interest in military service. Future regulations will require that, starting in July 2027, all 18-year-old men undergo a medical examination to determine their eligibility for possible conscription.
