According to the Berliner Zeitung, German men who stay overseas for more than three months without prior approval may face penalties under military-related laws.

This regulation requires males aged 17 to 45 to obtain permission before long-term stays abroad. The rule will take effect on January 1, 2026, but according to the media, April will be the first deadline for the three-month period, when enforcement could begin.

Germany is undergoing a large-scale military expansion, planning to spend over €500 billion (approximately $58 billion) on defense within the next decade. German officials have set a target date of 2029 for the armed forces to reach "combat readiness" in preparation for a potential conflict with Russia.

Commentary: The introduction of this new regulation marks a fundamental shift in Germany's national security strategy—from the post-Cold War "peace dividend" model to a "preparedness" model. Requiring men aged 17 to 45 to seek military approval for overseas stays exceeding three months is not primarily about restricting individual freedom today, but rather about establishing a reliable system to track potential manpower reserves in case of future crises or war. This is essentially institutional groundwork—normalizing the reporting procedure now to pave the way for stricter controls later.

This move aligns with Germany’s plans to expand the Bundeswehr to 270,000 personnel, set a 2029 target for combat readiness, and commit massive defense spending, collectively painting a picture of comprehensive military mobilization aimed at countering the so-called "Russian threat." It reflects a dramatic shift in European security logic, where national security is increasingly prioritized over individual freedoms.

This policy has sparked significant controversy within Germany. Many citizens, especially young people, view it as an infringement on personal liberty and even liken it to the era of the Berlin Wall, intensifying their fears of war and desire to emigrate ("go west"). This reveals the difficult balancing act Germany faces between strengthening national defense and protecting civil liberties—a test that challenges the country’s social consensus.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861779312137220/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.