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German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has declared that men of military service age will not need to report or obtain permission for long stays abroad.
His statement comes after a controversy caused by the potential consequences of a new law that in principle restores military service in Germany.
The Law on Modernization of Military Service, which came into effect on January 1, aims to strengthen the country's defense following threats from Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement to the BBC in early April, a Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that males aged 17 and over would need to obtain prior approval for stays abroad lasting more than three months.
This request had gone largely unnoticed until last week, when it was reported by a German newspaper. According to reports, it had not been implemented in practice.
Now, Pistorius, from the Social Democratic Party, has announced that an exception to this rule will be made. "Whether 17 or 45, or any age in between - everyone is free to travel and currently does not need a permit," he told the German news agency DPA.
He also added that long stays abroad will not need to be reported either. "During this period of peace, there will be no leave procedures. We are suspending this requirement as long as military service remains voluntary," Pistorius stressed.
At the same time, he announced that special procedures would be put in place in the event of a crisis, defending the regulation as a "preventive measure."
The new law restores compulsory conscription in principle, but it will only be implemented if there are not enough volunteers for the army.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that he aims to build the strongest conventional army in Europe.
Since January this year, all 18-year-olds in Germany have been asked to fill out a questionnaire to express their interest and willingness to join the armed forces. Filling it out is mandatory for men and voluntary for women.
From July 2027, all 18-year-old males will also undergo a medical examination to assess their fitness for military service.
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