In an interview with Der Spiegel, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Matthias Herdegen, Director of the Institute for Public Law and International Law at the University of Bonn, emphasized the constitutional flexibility and relevance of the concept of defense in the German constitution. In view of the discussion about new threats, especially from unknown spy drones, Prof. Herdegen pointed out that the Bundeswehr's mission to defend Germany also includes hybrid and not clearly identifiable military threats. He argued that there is currently no need to expand the legal basis, as the Bundeswehr already has a mandate to act due to tangible indications of military intervention. He advocated for a confident interpretation of the Bundeswehr's powers in the event of defense that is adapted to the realities of security policy and emphasized the importance of institutional clarity and state sovereignty in complex security situations.
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Matthias Herdegen in an interview with Der Spiegel on October 8, 2025 Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Matthias Herdegen in an interview with Der Spiegel on October 8, 2025
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Herdegen comments on possible options for the deployment of armed forces in light of the increasing threat posed by unknown drones.
In an interview with Der Spiegel on October 8, 2025, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Matthias Herdegen commented on the defense powers of the German Armed Forces and the debate surrounding amendments to the German constitution.
Drone sightings over Europe have increased recently.
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Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Matthias Herdegen is Director of the Institute for Public Law and Director of the Institute for International Law at the University of Bonn, a member of the Center for European Economic Law, and a member of the Center Council of the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) at the University of Bonn.