Germany Tightens Rules on Men Traveling Abroad

The German army is working to make a new rule clearer. The rule says men who could fight in the military must ask permission if they plan to stay outside Germany for longer than three months. The law started in January but was not noticed until a local newspaper highlighted it last week. The army says serving is voluntary, but the rule still applies to many men between 17 and 45. Officials are drafting new guidelines that will let people get exemptions without too much paperwork.This law was introduced to boost the size of the Bundeswehr and meet NATO targets. It also reflects Germany’s desire to rely less on the United States as tensions with Russia rise and European countries call for stronger defense. The ministry said the new system will help keep track of soldiers who live abroad in case of an emergency. The exact process is still being decided. Germany plans to raise the number of active soldiers from about 183, 000 now to 260, 000 by 2035. Chancellor Merz urged the country to be ready for rapid defense and needed more soldiers. Opposition politicians have criticized the government, saying the new law creates confusion and may be hard to follow.