Estonia plans to allow voluntary service for citizens of NATO countries
Estonia is preparing to allow citizens of other NATO member states to voluntarily serve in the Defense Forces and the Kaitseliit volunteer organization. A corresponding bill has already been submitted to the country’s parliament for consideration.
The initiative was supported by 53 members of the Riigikogu. The bill stipulates that citizens of NATO member states who are members of the Estonian Defense League (Kaitseliit) will be able to voluntarily assume military obligations and hold wartime positions for which a military rank is provided.
The authors of the bill are convinced that this measure will strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, enhance the readiness of the Kaitseliit and the Estonian Defense Forces, and establish a legal framework for the participation of foreign volunteers in the defense of the state.
However, compulsory military service will not apply to citizens of other NATO countries. Participation will be strictly voluntary for individuals aged 18 and older who have taken the military oath.
In addition, the bill establishes a legal framework for appointing foreign citizens to wartime positions, which is intended to improve training and the formation of command structures.
The bill also expands the powers of auxiliary members of the Defense Union, allowing them to play a more active role in carrying out tasks during crises and emergencies.
If adopted, the law will take effect on January 1, 2027.
At the same time, Aivar Engel, an advisor to the Riigikogu’s National Defense Committee, drew attention to a number of unresolved issues. According to him, the explanatory memorandum does not provide justification for the need to recruit foreign volunteers, since the Defense League, together with women’s and youth organizations, currently has more than 30,100 members.
“Given that the Defense League, together with women’s and youth organizations, has over 30,100 members, the organization should not be short-staffed,” he noted.
The expert also emphasized that the language of command in the Estonian armed forces is Estonian; however, language proficiency requirements for foreign volunteers have not yet been established. In addition, less stringent medical standards apply to them than to active-duty military personnel.
According to Engel, it also remains unclear which government agency will verify whether citizens of other NATO countries meet the legal requirements for service in the Defense League.
This was reported by the Estonian public broadcaster ERR.
As a reminder, Ukraine and Estonia signed a joint declaration on strengthening cooperation in the field of security and defense, which provides for expanded collaboration in air defense, the defense industry, and the exchange of expertise. Separately, the parties discussed support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and Ukraine’s path toward the EU.
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