The Military Service Modernisation Act (Wehrdienstmodernisierungsgesetz) took effect on January 1, 2026, introducing significant changes to Germany's military framework. The requirement applies during peacetime, whereas previously it only applied during a declared state of tension or defense, marking a shift in peacetime regulations. A defence ministry spokesperson confirmed that males aged 17 and older are required to obtain prior approval for stays abroad lasting longer than three months, a measure designed to enhance military readiness. The requirement went largely unnoticed until reported by the German newspaper Frankfurter Rundschau in early April 2026, highlighting its low public awareness initially.
The law aims to ensure a reliable military registration system for potential mobilization in an emergency, addressing gaps in preparedness. It aims to expand the Bundeswehr from roughly 180,000 to 260,000 active personnel by 2035, reflecting a substantial increase in military capacity. The law introduces voluntary military service: all 18-year-olds receive a questionnaire asking if they want to join, followed by fitness assessments from July 2027, streamlining recruitment processes.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has suspended the permission requirement during peacetime, meaning men do not currently need permission for stays abroad, as reported by sources. Permission will be considered granted as long as military service is voluntary, easing immediate travel restrictions.
Rules on exemptions are being developed to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy, ensuring the system is efficient. Men permanently living abroad are exempt from the requirement, as noted by officials, simplifying compliance for expatriates.
Women can volunteer but cannot be compelled under the constitution, maintaining gender-specific legal protections. If volunteer numbers fall short or the security situation deteriorates, compulsory service remains a possibility, according to assessments, indicating flexibility in implementation.
The law changes are in the context of the Ukraine war and Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, driven by heightened security concerns. Erkki Koort, director of the Internal Security Institute at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, argued that Germany is a more logical and accessible target for Russia within NATO than the Baltic states, underscoring regional security dynamics.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul accused Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin of using the war in Iran to divert international attention from the invasion of Ukraine, reflecting ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Many young people have demonstrated against the changes, showing public opposition to the military reforms.
Unknowns about the law's implementation include the specific criteria that will be used for exemptions from the travel approval requirement. It is unclear how the suspension of the permission requirement during peacetime will be legally implemented or documented.
The penalties, if any, that apply for non-compliance with the requirement once it is enforced have not been specified. The exact timeline and process for reintroducing compulsory service if volunteer numbers fall short remain undefined.