Austria moves toward conscription reform as government eyes new 6‑plus‑3 model

Austria’s coalition government is closing in on a reform of the compulsory military service. An expert commission presented three main options in early 2026, with the preferred “Österreich Plus” model calling for eight months of basic training followed by two months of mandatory militia exercises. Chancellor Christian Stocker has signalled he can also work with a “6 plus 3” proposal – six months of basic service and three months of militia drills – and hopes to present a compromise at the summer ministerial council on 27 July, with a possible start date of 1 January 2027.

The debate pits the ÖVP, which backs the longer models, against the NEOS, which oppose any extension of either conscription or civil service, while the SPÖ leans toward a six‑month base with limited exercises. Civil‑protection chief Josef Farda has urged a fact‑based, transparent decision, saying, “If the recommendation is ignored, the reasons and the resulting risks must be openly explained.” He also warned that any reduction in service length would affect personnel readiness.

A related investigation highlighted Austria’s lack of public fallout shelters, noting that Vienna has no operational bunkers and the country has few civilian protection facilities compared with neighbours such as Finland and Switzerland. Experts say improved civil‑defence planning should accompany any changes to the conscription system.