Key facts
- Austria plans to extend military service from six to nine months.
- The government cited the war in Ukraine as a reason for the change.
- New threats like hybrid attacks and cyberwarfare were also mentioned.
- The plan includes making civilian service voluntary for an additional two months.
- Military service will switch to a reservist model with follow-up exercises.
- Perks such as holiday days and increased pay are proposed to attract conscripts.
Austria's coalition government intends to extend mandatory military service from six to nine months, a move driven by the evolving security landscape shaped by the war in Ukraine. Chancellor Christian Stocker announced the plan, emphasizing the need for greater self-reliance and population protection in response to new threats, including hybrid and cyber warfare.
The proposed changes aim to adapt Austria's armed forces, which have historically focused on civil protection and border patrols, to a more challenging geopolitical environment. Alongside the extension of mandatory service, the government plans to allow voluntary extensions of civilian service by two months. A shift to a reservist model, requiring follow-up exercises within a decade of initial service, is also part of the proposal.
To make military service more appealing, the government is considering perks such as additional holiday days and nearly doubling the monthly pay to approximately 1,000 euros ($1,140). However, implementing these changes will necessitate legislative approval, requiring a two-thirds majority in parliament, which means the government will need support from opposition parties. Talks regarding this parliamentary support have not yet commenced.