The German Ministry of Defense has temporarily suspended a rule that required permission from the Bundeswehr for long-term travel abroad for men aged 17 to 45.
This is reported by Die Welt.
The department noted that the right of men to travel abroad without restrictions will be officially enshrined in a general decree published in the Federal Gazette and internal administrative regulations.
At the same time, the Ministry of Defense emphasized that this could change if the security situation worsens and military service becomes mandatory. The Ministry of Defense has provided for legislative regulation for this case.
According to the BBC, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also said that the exception is being introduced for peacetime, while conscription in the country remains voluntary.
According to him, the norm will be activated only in the event of a crisis, and for now, no permit issuance procedures will take place.
Pistorius believes that in the event of danger to Germany, the exit permit provision will serve as a “precautionary measure.”
A new law on military service has been in effect in Germany since January 1, but the clause requiring men aged 17-45 to leave the country for military service had gone virtually unnoticed until it was suddenly reported in German newspapers last week. The news caused a wave of public outrage.