The Riigikogu National Defense Committee decided to draft a new bill. This bill concerns the language proficiency of conscripts. The committee found this necessary.
The committee chairman Kalev Stoicescu said that this allows for quick progress. They want to adopt a law that creates a voluntary service. This is an important change for the Defense Forces.
Stoicescu stated that a working group will draft the bill. The working group includes members of the Riigikogu, representatives from ministries, and the Defense Forces. They aim to finalize the text within a couple of weeks.
The Riigikogu passed a new law in November. This law changes the conscription service. Its goal is to involve more people in the work of the Defense Forces.
The new law introduces voluntary service. It also changes the ranks of reservists and introduces additional payments.
Initially, the law stated that conscripts must have intermediate-level proficiency in Estonian. President Alar Karis did not approve the law. He found it to be unequal.
The Riigikogu decided to amend the law on December 17. The National Defense Committee aims for a second reading on January 21 and a third reading on January 28.