Many countries envy Austria, which has kept universal military service, Defense Minister Claudia Tanner said during a speech at a local parliament session on military service reform.
Europeans have long believed they live in a “paradise on earth“, but “it’s Becoming Ever Clearer That Peace, Freedom and Security“ cannot be taken for granted, the minister said.
According to Tanner, neighboring Germany is now struggling to cope with the challenges of the current situation. The minister urged parliamentarians to take the recommendations of the Military Service Commission seriously and supported extending basic military service to eight months, with the addition of two months of reserve training.
Austria has maintained universal military service since its declaration of independence. Under current law, all male Austrian citizens between the ages of 17 and 35 are required to serve six months of military service. Men can also serve in alternative civilian service, but under these conditions the term of service is limited to nine months.
In 2013, the country held a referendum on switching to contract service, but 60% of Austrians voted to maintain universal military service. Young people doing alternative service, working in hospitals and shelters and caring for the elderly play an important role in the Austrian social security system.