![[Translate to English:] Eine grafische Hand hält einen Kaffee, darin steht "Kaffee & Klartext""](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/3/csm_Header_Kaffee___Klartext_blanko_09cf4d1cd5.png)
We invite you to our exhibition for an open, relaxed exchange at eye level over "coffee and talk" - for anyone who is interested in political dialogue. In a cosy atmosphere, we bring along topics from our work, give a short impulse and want to discuss them with you.
You can expect a relaxed start to the conversation, in which we not only seek dialogue with our guests, but also offer space for you to exchange ideas with each other. Simply come along, join in and have an exciting discussion over a cup of coffee. Registration is not required.
Location: Helmut-Schmidt-Forum | Kattrepel 10 | 20095 Hamburg
Topics and dates:
Sunday, 12 April 2026 | 3:30 pm
The new Military Service Act under scrutiny
On 5 December 2025, the Bundestag passed a new Military Service Act. In view of the war in Ukraine and other security policy upheavals and challenges, the Bundeswehr is to grow from the current 180,000 to 260,000 soldiers (by 2035). The Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius (SPD), is initially relying on voluntary service: men and women born in 2008 will be sent a questionnaire at the beginning of 2026 to gauge their willingness to do military service. If the stated goal cannot be achieved in this way, mandatory measures are being considered for the future. There has already been protest against this in advance, particularly among the younger generation affected.
And indeed, many questions remain unanswered: To what extent was and is democratic participation and co-determination guaranteed in the new Military Service Act (and in future proposed legislation)? What service can or must a state demand from its citizens in order to protect itself from its enemies? How fairly is the burden distributed between the generations? And what would be the conditions under which a majority of young people would agree to (compulsory) military service?
We look forward to controversial discussions.
Registration is not required.
More information on the topic can be found in the article The new military service law in a democracy check.
Past events in our "Coffee and talk" series
- Sunday, 8 February 2026 | 12:30 pm
Eye level instead of eye rolls: How can we talk about peace and security across generations?
In current discussions about pensions, compulsory military service or climate change, the impression can quickly arise that the positions of young and old are fundamentally different or even irreconcilable. But is this really true? And how can dialogue with different social groups succeed on an equal footing so that solutions for today and tomorrow can be found together?
- Saturday, 8 November 2025 | 1 pm
What is the state of press freedom in Germany and worldwide and why is it so important for our democracy?
We invited all visitors to our permanent exhibition "Schmidt! Living Democracy". For all those interested, the themed tour "Democracy in pictures. Helmut Schmidt and the media".
This event was part of the supporting programme for Hamburg Press Freedom Week (2 to 8 November 2025).
