Latvia Adjusts Rules for Military National Service

Latvia’s Ministry of Defence is updating its military national service regulations to streamline selection, ensure legal equality, and improve support for soldiers. Amendments allow 17-year-old citizens to pre-register for service, providing more planning flexibility. The changes also offer greater flexibility during service, letting volunteers switch service types and exempting experienced national guardsmen from conscription.

Latvia is also improving social guarantees, now covering travel expenses for citizens living abroad both to and from service, as well as accommodation for health checks. The Ministry currently invites 18 to 27 year olds to apply, with plans to accept up to 2,800 individuals into various service branches starting in January or July 2027.

On July 17th, 1,277 young people began their service, with a notable increase in volunteers at several bases including the newly participating “Mežaine” and Lūznava. The Saeima must still review and adopt the amendments for them to take effect.