Austria's coalition negotiates overhaul of military conscription

Austria conscription reform 6+3 model Zivildienst extension Österreich PLUS Miliz mobilisation

Austria’s governing parties – the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS – are finalising a reform of the country's conscription system ahead of the summer ministerial council at the Schwarzenbergkaserne in Salzburg. The compromise model, dubbed “6 + 3”, proposes six months of basic military service followed by three months of militia training, while other proposals such as an “8 + 2” model and a “9 + 2” variant have also been discussed.

A key sticking point remains the length of the civilian service (Zivildienst). The ÖVP favours extending it from nine to twelve months, whereas the NEOS and SPÖ have offered alternative training schemes. Military leaders, including Brigadier Gernot Gasser and commander Georg Härtinger, are urging a swift adoption, arguing that “defence capability needs ready soldiers”. They back the “Österreich PLUS” package, which also calls for a twelve‑month Zivildienst and an increase in the mobilisation strength of the Miliz to 75 000 by 2032 and eventually 110 000.

The coalition hopes to present the final proposal on Monday, while parallel discussions on a draft social‑media ban for youths are also expected.