Germany: obligation to report trips abroad to the army sparks controversy

The Frankfurter Rundschau reported on Friday, April 3, that a new German law on compulsory military service will require most young men to inform authorities if they stay abroad for more than three months. This information sparked controversy and debate on social media, with many questioning its necessity and lack of public discussion when the military service reforms were proposed last year.

Among the strongest reactions, Sahra Wagenknecht, a radical left-wing politician, called for the resignation of German Defense Minister Boris Pitorius. “The fact that men must obtain permission to travel abroad with the Bundeswehr is reminiscent of the GDR and the Berlin Wall era. This is not in line with democracy and liberal democratic order,” she said.

Men aged 17 and older are now required to obtain prior authorization from the German armed forces for any stay abroad lasting more than three months. This authorization is granted on the condition that “no specific soldier duties are planned during that period,” according to a Defense Ministry spokesperson.

The ministry is currently working on exemptions to this requirement and an approval system for requests to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy. The goal of this regulation is to ensure a reliable and complete military service record if needed.

Introduced in January, the new law aims to encourage more young Germans to voluntarily engage in military training. Military service remains voluntary, as Germany suspended conscription in 2011. However, all 18-year-old men must now complete a military service questionnaire and undergo medical examinations if required.

Germany has committed to significantly increasing the personnel of its career and reserve army as part of NATO defense plans. NATO’s European allies have ramped up defense spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.