Coalition to Present Comprehensive Conscription Reform Package to Opposition Parties

Austria's defence ministry said the ÖVP, SPÖ and Neos will deliver a comprehensive conscription reform package to the FPÖ and the Greens within the coming days. Coalition negotiations have been characterised as constructive and resulted in a "total package" that will now be shared with the opposition. The reform, agreed in principle at the summer ministerial council, includes extending the voluntary civil service from nine to eleven months, with a mandatory extension only if recruitment falls short.

Since a two-thirds majority is required for the civil service change, the coalition must secure backing from at least one opposition party. Both the FPÖ and the Greens have previously expressed reservations and called for early involvement in the talks. Discussions with the opposition are planned for later this week.