20260408 "Modernisiertes" Wehrpflichtgesetz

Freedom of travel is a thing of the past

Germany has been disregarding the freedom of travel within the EU, as stipulated in the Schengen Agreements, for some time now. Poland, in particular, is upset about this, as border controls are a daily nuisance for commuters. Now there is a new development that primarily affects Germans. Without much discussion in the Bundestag or the media, an amendment to the Military Service Modernization Act now requires men between the ages of 17 and 45 to obtain permission from the Bundeswehr Career Center if they wish to leave Germany for more than three months.

Section 3 of the Conscription Act (WPflG) previously contained a similar provision, but it applied only in the event of a state of heightened tension — that is, if NATO or the Bundestag determined there was an increased external threat — or in the event of a state of defense, if Germany were actually attacked. Now, Section 2 states that the provision is permanently valid. However, even the Ministry of Defense does not yet know how it will handle this provision and the associated bureaucracy. Nevertheless, submitting an application has been mandatory since January 1, 2026.

It is also not yet known what consequences “forgetting to submit an exit application” will have. Aside from “forgetting,” there are surely still millions of men who are completely unaware of the regulation due to the “poor information policy.” Perhaps there are still retired clerks who handled these matters in the GDR and could offer assistance ...

It is also unknown under what circumstances departure may be denied or restricted, and whether a willingness to serve in the Bundeswehr improves or rather reduces the likelihood of approval for departure. This inquiry into each individual’s (combat) readiness to join the Bundeswehr began at the start of the year with letters sent to all young people born in 2008 or later.

Don’t forget: The next school strike against the new military service will take place on Friday, May 8—Liberation Day from fascism. The activists from “Schule ohne Militär” at “Aktion Freiheit statt Angst e.V.” will definitely be there.