Austria is considering extending the duration of mandatory military service
The Austrian government has proposed extending the term of mandatory military service from six to nine months. This initiative is justified by the need to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities. Authorities note that the decision is linked to the changing security situation in Europe following the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
For years, Austria has been trying to strengthen and better equip its armed forces, which, according to the authorities, are currently unable to defend the country against a serious attack by a foreign state.
“In recent years, months, and weeks, the security situation has changed dramatically. The dream of lasting peace in Europe was finally shattered, at the latest, with the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine,” Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker said at a press conference near Salzburg.
As the chancellor noted, new threats have also emerged, including hybrid attacks and cyberwarfare.
“These events clearly show that Austria must rely more on its own resources to ensure self-sufficiency and protect its population,” he added.
Currently, Austrian youths and men, typically until they turn 18, have the choice between military service and a nine-month civilian alternative, during which they typically work in institutions such as emergency medical services or nursing homes.
The government has stated that it plans to offer the option to voluntarily extend this so-called civilian service by two months.
There are also plans to transition to a military service model for reservists, under which conscripts must undergo follow-up training within 10 years of their initial service. To make military service more attractive, benefits are planned, such as holidays and nearly doubling the pay to 1,000 euros per month.
However, implementing these changes will require legislation to be passed by a two-thirds majority in parliament, for which the government needs the support of the opposition Green Party or the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). Negotiations on these amendments have not yet begun.
This was reported by Reuters.
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