New German law compels men under 45 to seek military approval for extended trips abroad

Germany has quietly introduced a new requirement obliging men aged 17 to 45 to seek permission from military authorities before leaving the country for more than three months. Part of the recently enacted Military Service Modernisation Act, the clause aims to ensure the government can track potential recruits in case voluntary enlistment fails and conscription is reconsidered. Officials insist the rule is precautionary and has minimal practical impact under current conditions, with approvals exp