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Uproar in Germany over law requiring men get military approval for long stays abroad

Ministry clarifies clause affecting those up to age 45 that is part of legislation that came into effect in January A little-noticed clause in sweeping changes to Germany’s military service policy has caused uproar… Grouped from 2 articles across 2 sources.

2 reports2 sourcesApr 5, 2026, 11:45 AM
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The GuardianApr 5, 2026, 11:45 AM

Uproar in Germany over law requiring men get military approval for long stays abroad

Ministry clarifies clause affecting those up to age 45 that is part of legislation that came into effect in January A little-noticed clause in sweeping changes to Germany’s military service policy has caused uproar after it emerged that the law requires men aged up to 45 to get permission from the armed forces before any significant stay abroad, even in peacetime. The legislation, which went into effect on 1 January, aims to bolster the military and demands all 18-year-old men fill out a questionnaire to gauge their suitability to serve in the armed forces, but stops short of conscription . Continue reading...

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BBC NewsApr 4, 2026, 9:16 PM

German males under 45 may need military approval for long stays abroad

Under the law, travel approvals must generally be granted and it remains unclear how the rule would be enforced if breached.

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