Latvia advances changes to national defence service rules

Latvia’s parliament is advancing amendments to national defence service rules, including allowing volunteers to apply from age 17 and lowering the age limit for deferrals from 26 to 24, public broadcaster LSM reported.

Under the proposal, service itself would still begin at 18. Seventeen-year-olds could apply if they turn 18 at least six months before the service starts. The change is intended to let young people volunteer who currently reach 18 after applications close but before selection begins.

The amendments would also end the student reserve officer programme as a way to fulfil service obligations, while allowing those who have already started it to complete the programme. State-funded higher education would be available only to those who choose 11 months of service, rather than also to those who serve for five years in the National Guard.

The bill would remove the legal guarantee of higher compensation for volunteers, with payment levels instead set by the government. It would also expand travel cost reimbursements to cover journeys from abroad.

Those who begin service by January 14, 2027, would retain the existing terms for study support and compensation. The committee has agreed on these amendments.

The committee also discussed a proposal to exempt clergy from religious organisations from service or allow a deferral for people studying for religious ministry.