Austria Plans Major Military Service Overhaul

The Austrian government has announced plans to extend mandatory military service from six to nine months in response to the deteriorating security environment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Chancellor Christian Stocker said the prospect of lasting peace in Europe has faded and warned that, alongside conventional military threats, Austria also faces hybrid attacks and cyberattacks.

Neutral Austria, whose armed forces have traditionally focused on disaster relief and border protection, aims to significantly strengthen its defense capabilities through the proposed reforms.

The overhaul also includes the introduction of a reserve system requiring mandatory training exercises for 10 years after completing basic military service, as well as the option to voluntarily extend civilian service by two months. To make military service more attractive, the government is proposing to nearly double conscripts' monthly pay to €1,000 ($1,140) and introduce additional benefits.

As the legislation requires a two-thirds majority in parliament, the governing coalition will need the support of either the Greens or the right-wing Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).

(Reuters, Max)