Men in Germany Required to Obtain Permission for Stays Abroad Exceeding Three Months
The German Ministry of Defense has announced that all men planning extended trips outside the country must obtain the necessary permission, a move that reflects a significant shift in the country's defense policy.
According to information provided by Ukrinform, the German Ministry of Defense has reported that all men intending to take long trips abroad are required to obtain the appropriate permission. This announcement was confirmed by a spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense, who noted that permission is granted if military service is voluntary.
The spokesperson also emphasized that military personnel must be aware of who among them is spending extended periods abroad. However, they declined to specify how many permissions have been submitted since the beginning of the year. This rule, they stated, has been in place since the 'Cold War' era but has never been enforced as strictly as it is now.
The representative from the defense ministry added that permission to stay abroad has always been granted if there was no need to perform specific duties during the relevant period. This means that in the absence of official tasks, men can travel abroad without any hindrance.
It is worth noting that at the end of last year, the administration of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz enacted a law that reinstates voluntary military service. This move is aimed at increasing the number of personnel in the Bundeswehr, especially in light of the growing threat from Russia, as Germany falls short in fulfilling its commitments to NATO troop recruitment.
According to the new law, which came into effect on January 1, Germany plans to increase the number of military personnel in the Bundeswehr from 180,000 to 260,000. Additionally, the reserve force is expected to reach 200,000 individuals. This indicates a serious approach by the German authorities towards defense and security matters.
As part of this program, all teenagers will receive a questionnaire upon reaching the age of 18, which will serve as the first step in assessing their suitability and motivation for military service. Men are required to fill out this form, while for women, participation remains voluntary.
Furthermore, as reported by Ukrinform, the Bundeswehr will receive instructors from Ukraine, who will share their combat experience directly in German military schools, particularly within the Army. This will be an important step in enhancing the qualifications of German soldiers and strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Germany in the field of defense.
Thus, the new regulations regarding obtaining permissions for stays abroad, along with the return to voluntary military service, reflect changes in Germany's defense policy that respond to contemporary challenges and threats.