The Austrian coalition government, comprising the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos, has agreed on a comprehensive military service reform. The draft law is set to pass the Council of Ministers this Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with an effective start date of January 1, 2027.
Basic military service will change to six months plus one immediate exercise month, with two additional months due within ten years. Pay rises to 1,000 Euro monthly, and members gain vacation rights. Civilian service may extend to 9+2 months voluntarily.
Implementation requires a two-thirds majority. The FPÖ currently rejects the plan, demanding simultaneous service extensions. Meanwhile, the Greens await a review, seeking higher civilian pay and the formal recognition of memorial service in the reform.