Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that men of military age in Germany do not need to report lengthy stays abroad. His announcement comes amid controversy surrounding a recently enacted law that reintroduced military service in Germany.
The Military Service Modernisation Act, effective since January 1, aims to strengthen defenses in response to threats from Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Act initially required men aged 17 and older to obtain prior approval for any stays abroad exceeding three months.
This requirement went largely unnoticed until reported by a German newspaper last week and had reportedly not been enforced.
Now, Pistorius has clarified to the German Press Agency that he is introducing an exemption for all military-aged men. Whether they are 17 or 45, or anywhere in between – everyone is, of course, free to travel and does not need permission to do so, he asserted. Additionally, he stated that lengthy stays abroad would not need to be reported.
“During this peacetime period, there will be no permission procedures. We are suspending the permission requirement as long as military service is voluntary,” Pistorius added, while also indicating that the necessary protocols would be put in place should a crisis arise. He defended the initial regulations as a precautionary measure.
The law, which reintroduces conscription, is contingent upon voluntary enlistment numbers, emphasizing that it would only be implemented if necessary. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has articulated the goal of transforming Germany into Europe’s leading conventional military power.
Since January, every 18-year-old in Germany has been receiving a mandatory questionnaire to gauge interest in joining the armed forces, while women have the option to respond voluntarily. Furthermore, starting July 2027, all 18-year-old men will undergo a medical examination to assess their fitness for potential military service.
