A new German law requires young men to inform the authorities when leaving the country for longer periods. The reason is to ensure there are enough soldiers in the event of war.

The conscription law came into force at the turn of the year but has only recently attracted attention, sparking both criticism and debate in Germany. The law means that all men aged 17-45 must apply in advance for permission from the armed forces to leave the country for more than three months.

The requirement has drawn criticism, especially among those affected, and caused concerns that, for example, work assignments abroad might become impossible.

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Referring to the deteriorating security situation in Europe, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised to rebuild the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest conventional army, and the new rules are described as a modernization of military service.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, the regulation is intended to “ensure a reliable and meaningful military registration system,” and added that in case of an emergency, authorities need to know who may be abroad for an extended period.

Mandatory Military Service

How the law will be enforced and what happens if it is violated remains unclear.

After decades of reductions, parliament voted in December to strengthen the military and introduce voluntary conscription. Starting in January, all 18-year-olds receive a questionnaire in which they are to indicate whether they are interested in joining the military. Men are required to respond, while it’s voluntary for women.

The goal is to increase the number of active soldiers from the current 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035. If the security situation deteriorates or too few volunteer, some form of mandatory military service may be considered according to the new law.

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