German Men Aged 17-45 May Need Military Approval for Long Stays Abroad A new law in Germany requires men aged 17 to 45 to seek military approval for extended stays abroad, effective from 1 January 2024. The regulation, part of the Military Service Modernisation Act, aims to strengthen national defense in response to ongoing threats from Russia, particularly following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Under the law, individuals aged 17 and older must obtain prior authorization for travel abroad lasting longer than three months. The requirement is rooted in Germany’s 1956 Conscription Act, which has been amended multiple times, including a significant revision in December 2023. The defense ministry clarified that the rule is designed to maintain a reliable military registration system, ensuring the government can track individuals who may be stationed abroad during emergencies. A defense ministry spokesman stated that the regulation’s intent is to “know who may be staying abroad for an extended period” in case of national crises. However, the requirement has drawn attention due to its potential impact on young people, with officials acknowledging that consequences could be “far-reaching.” Exemptions and procedural adjustments are being developed to minimize bureaucratic hurdles. The law’s implementation has sparked debate, as it marks a shift from Germany’s previous policy of voluntary military service. Prior to 2011, when compulsory service was abolished under Chancellor Angela Merkel, Germany maintained a large standing army. During the Cold War, the country had nearly half a million troops, but its forces were reduced during the peace years of the 1990s. The new law seeks to expand the Bundeswehr’s active personnel from approximately 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035.#germany #chancellor_friedrich_merz #bundeswehr #military_service_modernisation_act #cold_war
