As per reports, a nationwide school strike is planned across Germany on Friday (08 May) in opposition to the German government’s military service reforms introduced under the Wehrdienstmodernisierungsgesetz (Military Service Modernization Act), which came into force on 01 January 2026.

• The strike is organized by the Schulstreik gegen Wehrpflicht (School Strike Against Conscription) movement, led by the Nein zur Wehrpflicht (No to Military Conscription) alliance.
• Protests are expected across more than 90 cities and municipalities, including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Dortmund, Essen, Stuttgart, Dresden, Bielefeld, and Münster. Organizers have indicated that school strike committees in multiple federal states are coordinating simultaneous demonstrations.
• According to the reports, Friday (08 May) coincides with the 81st anniversary of Germany’s liberation from National Socialism at the end of the Second World War. In Berlin, the main demonstration is planned at the Brandenburger Tor at 1200 hours local time (1000 hours UTC) to run parallel to official Liberation Day commemorative events.
• The Military Service Modernization Act currently requires all 18-year-old men to complete and return a mandatory questionnaire from the Bundeswehr assessing fitness and willingness for military service. Women receive the questionnaire on a voluntary basis. Mandatory medical assessments for men born in 2008 and later are due to be introduced from 01 July 2027. Full conscription has not been reintroduced but has not been formally excluded by the government.
• Education ministry officials and teacher associations in several federal states have stated that students participating in the strike may face disciplinary measures, including suspension. Despite these warnings, organizers report no reduction in anticipated participation levels.