Vienna, Feb 19, (.) Alexander Van der Bellen has voiced support for extending Austria’s compulsory military service and reinstating reservist training, citing growing geopolitical challenges.
In January, a military service commission recommended increasing mandatory service from six to eight months. As Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Van der Bellen endorsed the proposal, saying the move would strengthen soldier safety and improve training standards for the federal army. “Austria needs a modern and combat-ready army,” he wrote on X on Wednesday.
He also backed the commission’s proposal to reintroduce a two-month reservist training program.
Separately, Chancellor Christian Stocker in late January called for reform of the military service system and proposed a nationwide survey on the future of Austria’s armed forces.. .