Chair for Public Law, Public International Law and European Law
Welcome to the website of Professor Herdegen’s chair!
Our work focuses on German and International Constitutional Law, Public International Law, European Law, International Economic Law, and the Law of Biotechnology.
News
Announcement
On 18 June 2026 at 5.30 pm, the Young German International Law Association is hosting a lecture by Prof. Dr Erika de Wet, LL.M. (Harvard), on the topic of ‘Military Force and International Law’. Please refer to the attached announcement for further details.
United Nations
In his articles published in the “Neue Züricher Zeitung” on 09.03.2026 and 28.03.2026 Prof. Herdegen examines the United Nations’ effectiveness.
Iran-War
In the article "Eine unbequeme Wahrheit über das Völkerrecht", Professor Herdegen comments on the war against Iran. He also addresses this topic in the 87th episode of the podcast "Gerechtigkeit und Loseblatt" and in "Spiegel" In interviews with "Zeit" and "Focus", Prof. Herdegen examines the scope of States' right to self-defense under international law.
US-Operation in Venezuela
In the article "Proportion und Kontext - das Völkerrecht wird in Zeiten des Neoimperialismus nur überleben können, wenn es eine differenzierte Anwendung erfährt", Professor Herdegen comments on the U.S. military strike against the Venezuelan dictator Maduro.
He also discusses the issue in an interview with "Die Welt .
ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change
In the 6/2025 issue of the Transatlantic Law Journal, Professor Herdegen comments on the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on Climate Change.
Announcements
Review of exams from the 2025/26 winter term
You may review your exams for the lectures of the 2025/26 winter term at our chair on the following dates:
- Völkerrecht I: 02.04 and 07.04.2026
- Welthandelsrecht (Internationales Wirtschaftsrecht II): 02.04. and 07.04.2026
- Normative Foundations of the International Order: 02.04. and 07.04.2026
Please note: Viewing is only available upon prior registration by April 1 or April 7, 2026, respectively, by emailing akronhar@uni-bonn.de and providing your student ID number.
Lecture Internationales Wirtschaftsrecht I
The lecture "Internationales Wirtschaftsrecht I" will be held on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in HS A during ther 2026 summer term.
You can find the lecture materials in the corresponding folder on eCampus.
Lecture Menschenrechte (Prof. Dr. Erika de Wet)
The lecture "Menschenrechte" by Prof. Dr. Erika de Wet will take place during the 2026 summer term on the following dates:
- Monday, 15.06.2026, 12-6 p.m. (s.t.)
- Tuesday, 16.06.2026, 12-6 p.m. (s.t.)
- Wednesday, 17.06.2026, 12-6 p.m. (s.t.)
- Friday, 19.06.2026, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (s.t.)
You can find the lecture materials in the corresponding folder on eCampus.
Overview of the chair
Professor and chair
Besides Professor Herdegen, the chair consists of a number of research associates as well as research and student assistants who contribute to the chair's research and teaching activities.
Teaching
The curriculum focuses in particular on Public International Law, European Law, and International Economic Law. Specific courses cover topics such as the Law of the European Economic and Monetary Union and the Law of International Biotechnology.
Research and publications
The research focuses on German and International Constitutional Law, Public International Law, European Law, International Economic Law, and the Law of Biotechnology.
Academic visitors
The chair is supported in its work by distinguished academic visitors.
Library for Public International Law
The library of the Institute of Public International Law houses the book collections of both the Institute of Public International Law and the Institute of Public Law, Comparative Law Division. In addition to an extensive collection of journals, you will find standard works, textbooks, collections of statutes, and commentaries related to the research and teaching focuses of both institutes.
Opening hours
Monday to friday from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Uhr
Location
Juridicum (Ostturm)
Adenauerallee 24 – 42, 53113 Bonn
4th floor, right
Chair of Prof. Dr. DDr. h.c. Matthias Herdegen
Institute for Public Law and Institute for Public International Law
Secretary's office
Anja Bischoff
Tel.: +49 228 / 73-55 70
Fax: +49 228 / 73-79 01
herdegen@uni-bonn.de
Postal address
Adenauerallee 24-42
53115 Bonn
Visiting address
Adenauerallee 44, 2nd floor
53115 Bonn
Media requests
Please contact herdegen@uni-bonn.de with media requests.
For urgent inquiries, please feel free to contact Mr. Philipp Ludewig at pludewig@uni-bonn.de or +49 228 / 73-94 49.