Germany: Army authorization for a long stay abroad

In Germany, an article from the newspaper Frankfurter Rundschau published on Friday sparked intense debate over the Easter weekend: it revealed that the new law on military service will require young men to inform the authorities if they stay abroad for long periods.
The German Ministry of Defense confirmed to AFP that men aged 17 and older “must obtain prior authorization” from the armed forces for any stay abroad lasting more than three months. This authorization will be granted on the condition that “no specific soldier service is planned during that period.” The ministry added, “The context and guiding principle of this regulation are to ensure a reliable and complete military service record if needed.” The ministry is currently developing exemptions from the requirement to obtain exit authorization and an approval system for requests, in order to “avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.”
On social media, many people questioned whether this measure was real and why there was no public debate when military service reforms were proposed last year. Among the strongest reactions, Sahra Wagenknecht, a radical left-wing politician, called for the resignation of Defense Minister Boris Pitorius on Sunday. She stated to AFP, “The fact that men need permission to travel abroad with the Bundeswehr is reminiscent of the GDR and the era of the Berlin Wall. This has nothing to do with democracy and the liberal democratic order.”
Context: Debate over new German military service law requiring young men to inform authorities if staying abroad for long periods.
Fact Check: Germany suspended conscription in 2011, making military service voluntary.

The military service remains voluntary

Introduced in January, the new law on military service aims to encourage more young Germans to voluntarily pursue military training. Military service remains voluntary, as Germany suspended conscription in 2011. However, all 18-year-old men must now fill out a questionnaire about their suitability for military service and undergo medical examinations if requested.
Germany has committed to significantly increase the personnel of its career and reserve military as part of NATO defense plans. NATO’s European allies have greatly increased their defense spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.