Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur signed a regulation according to which the allowance for conscripts will increase. The allowance is paid from the day of arrival at the place of service until the end of conscription.
The conscript's allowance is intended to cover personal expenses. For example, mobile phone service and hygiene products. Minister of Defence Pevkur said that the state must help young people who help defend the country.
The Director General of the Estonian Defence Resources Agency, Anu Rannaveski, said that price increases have affected the conscript's allowance. Increasing the allowance is necessary. It will help conscripts cope better.
The conscript's allowance will increase. For example, a private's allowance is now at least 150 euros per month, up from 115 euros previously. From the ninth month, the allowance is 230 euros. A corporal's allowance is now 190 euros, up from 140 euros previously.
Along with the increase in the allowance, the reimbursement of travel expenses is being simplified. Previously, travel to and from leave was reimbursed up to 40 euros. Now, at least 35 euros will be added to the conscript's monthly allowance. This will help better cover travel expenses.
The compensation limit for conscripts living abroad will be increased to 200 euros. This takes into account their higher travel costs.
The costs associated with the implementation of the regulation are included in the budget of the Ministry of Defence. By 2026, 11 million euros are planned for conscript allowances. The conscript's allowance was last increased in 2021.