Finland Moves to Amend Conscription and Defence Forces Acts

The Ministry of Defence announced the decision in a press release on Thursday.

Under the proposed amendments, no separate consent would be required to assign reservists participating in refresher exercises to military exercises, training or service duties abroad in regions close to Finland, provided the activities are directly linked to Finland's defence.

The regions concerned would include the Baltic Sea, Sweden and Norway. According to the ministry, Sweden and Norway are closely connected to Finland's defence through their NATO membership and geographical location.

However, the explicit consent of conscripts and reservists participating in refresher exercises would still be required for assignments involving military exercises, training or related service duties outside Finland that promote the country's defence capabilities.

The proposed amendments are scheduled to enter into force on July 1, 2027.

"We must have legislation that provides the defence administration with the best possible support in the changed security environment," Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said in the press release.

He added that the bill aims to ensure that the Finnish Defence Forces can train troops, strengthen reservists' skills and expertise, and carry out international cooperation related to Finland's defence.

The government also proposes changing the rules governing refresher exercises for reservists. Under the proposal, the current maximum number of exercise days based on military rank and training would be removed and replaced with a general limit of 200 days for all persons liable for military service.

The Ministry of Defence said the change would promote equality among those liable for military service and allow the Finnish Defence Forces to make better use of reservists' specialised expertise.

In addition, the proposed amendments to the Act on the Finnish Defence Forces would clarify the obligation of Defence Forces officials to participate in international assignments.

Another change would allow Finnish contingents participating in international missions to operate under a command other than that of the Finnish Defence Forces.

However, the final bill submitted to Parliament does not include proposed changes to the employment terms of personnel involved in the Defence Forces' international cooperation. Those provisions, which were included in the draft circulated for public consultation, have been removed for further preparation.