Austria urged to decide on conscription reform by July 27

The umbrella group Wehrhaftes Österreich, representing defence‑policy associations, is pressing the Austrian federal government (ÖVP‑SPÖ‑NEOS coalition) to adopt a decision on the conscription system at the summer ministerial council on 27 July. In a statement to the APA the platform said a “viable negotiation solution” is needed, calling it a “important signal of the state’s ability to act.”

The group argues that conscription consists of two equal pillars – basic military service and civilian (alternative) service – and that the latter must be further developed because it supports many social institutions. Both Wehrhaftes Österreich and the Milizverband (MVÖ) back the “Austria plus” proposal recommended by the conscription commission: eight months of basic service plus two months of mandatory militia training, which they claim is the most effective, efficient and budget‑friendly model. MVÖ president Armin Richter warned that “Austria’s security challenges wait not,” urging the government to place overall state responsibility above party interests.