Thomas Erndl, the defense policy spokesperson for the Union faction (CSU), dismissed criticism regarding the requirement for permits for extended foreign trips for men under the age of 45. Speaking to the news portal Politico, he stated that the measure is “not as dramatic as it has been partly portrayed”.
According to Erndl, this regulation is part of the Defense Service Modernization Act and serves as a measure of security preparedness. He explained that the law reintroduces the military register and establishes provisions for the eventuality of a return to mandatory conscription. A component of this is the rule that longer foreign stays “must generally be reported or approved”.
However, Erndl also clarified that the voluntary nature of military service remains unchanged: “Military service in Germany remains voluntary. Therefore, this permit requirement can either become a reporting obligation or, alternatively, the permit requirement is generally assumed, so that the effort for affected citizens will be minimal”. Despite this, he viewed the debate as evidence of a necessary adaptation to the current security situation. He concluded, “It is true, however, that a functioning military register is a central element of our security preparedness. If we, as a society, want to take a stand for our security, we must create the organizational foundations for it”.
