In early 2026, Germany enacted a new military service law in response to security threats from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The law, which has faced significant public opposition, could potentially reintroduce compulsory military service for men after it was suspended in 2011.
A lesser-known provision requires men aged 18 to 46 to obtain permission from the Bundeswehr career center if they plan to leave Germany for over three months, regardless of the purpose, such as studying or traveling. This measure aims to track citizens living abroad in case of war. While military officials confirmed the regulation, they noted that permits should typically be granted if no military service is required during that time.
The law, named the Military Service Modernization Act, aims to increase active-duty soldiers from 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035. Following debates, the ruling coalition decided to keep military service voluntary for now, but all men turning 18 will soon need to fill out a form regarding their eligibility for service, and by mid-2027, they will also undertake a fitness test, seen by many as a step toward reintroducing conscription.
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