Austria plans to increase the term of military service due to the war in Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
The Austrian government plans to increase the term of military service from six to nine months due to the changing security situation following Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Chancellor Christian Stocker stated the need to strengthen its own defense capabilities.
The Austrian government plans to extend the term of military service in the country from six to nine months in order to adapt to the changed security situation resulting from the war in Ukraine. Reuters reports, UNN informs.
Details
It is noted that Austria's neutral armed forces have for decades served primarily as a kind of civil defense force, helping emergency services during natural disasters such as floods and forest fires, or performing border patrols to intercept illegal immigrants, rather than stopping the advance of foreign troops.
The country has for years tried to strengthen and better equip its armed forces, which, according to the authorities, would not be able to defend the homeland from a serious attack by an external force.
Security conditions have fundamentally changed in recent years, months and weeks. The dream of lasting peace in Europe was shattered by Russia's military aggression against Ukraine
According to him, new threats have also emerged, including hybrid attacks and cyber warfare.
These developments clearly show that Austria must take greater responsibility for its own self-sufficiency and population protection capabilities
Austria and Portugal elected as new members of the UN Security Council04.06.26, 00:15 • 16835 views
The publication notes that Austrian men currently have a choice, usually around the age of 18, between military service and a nine-month civilian alternative, in which they typically work in institutions such as ambulance services or nursing homes. The government stated that it plans to make it possible to extend the so-called civilian service by two months on a voluntary basis.
"It also plans to switch to a reserve military service model, under which conscripts must undergo further training for 10 years after the start of service. To make military service more attractive, it is planned to provide benefits such as holidays and nearly double pay to 1000 euros per month," the article says.
Recall
In April, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius proposed a new intergovernmental European treaty to create a defense union and prepare the EU for self-defense.
Italy's foreign minister urged the EU to create a unified army08.01.24, 04:54 • 108577 views