Panel discussion with
Prof. Dr. Kathrin Groh
Professor of Public Law, University of the German Armed Forces, Munich
Otto Ellerbrock
Chair of the Lower Saxony State Pupils’ Council
Prof. Dr Ulrich Schlie
Historian and political scientist, Director of the Centre for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) and Henry Kissinger Professor of Security and Strategic Studies at the Institute of Political Science, University of Bonn
Conversation leader
Prof. Dr Johannes Hirata, Professor of Economics, Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
24 November 2026, 6.00 pm, University Auditorium, Neuer Graben 29/Schloss
In light of the dramatically changing security situation in Europe and the staff shortages within the Bundeswehr, the debate over compulsory military service in Germany has reignited. Following its suspension in 2011, discussions are now taking place regarding its reintroduction in order to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities. A new military service model has been in place since January 2026: all 18-year-old men must complete a suitability questionnaire; for women, this is voluntary. Is a new form of compulsory military service a necessary step for national defence, or is it an outdated model that infringes too deeply on young people’s civil liberties? Should the Bundeswehr rely solely on a voluntary basis to recruit more personnel? Should a modern form of compulsory military service be gender-neutral, or should there be a general duty to serve? The Peace Talk will address these and other questions.
Admission is free. No registration is required for the event.