IDM Director on TVP World: Germany Gets Serious on Security – but Fails on Communication

IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer joined TVP World’s World News Tonight to discuss Germany’s Military Service Act and new provisions requiring men aged 17–45 to obtain approval from the Bundeswehr for stays abroad exceeding three months, effective 1 January 2026. 

Schäffer criticised the rollout as an “absolute communication disaster,” noting that millions of those affected learned about the measure through media reports rather than official channels. At the same time, he emphasised that the policy reflects a more serious German approach to the security situation in Eastern Europe, which is fundamentally justified. 

🎥 Watch the interview (from 9:08): https://youtu.be/YWdzuISlaRM?t=548