Defense
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Estonia Hikes Conscript Stipend to Counter Inflation
Estonia's Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur, has signed a decree raising the monthly allowance for military conscripts by up to 75 euros to help them cover personal expenses, with the government allocating 11 million euros for the measure in its 2026 budget.
- —Estonia's Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur, signed a decree to increase the monthly allowance for conscripts by approximately one-third, ranging from 35 to 75 euros depending on rank.
- —The increased allowance aims to help conscripts cover personal expenses not provided by the military, such as mobile phone costs and hygiene products, with the rise attributed to recent inflation.
- —Specific increases include a rise from 115 euros to at least 150 euros for privates and sailors from the first month, and up to 230 euros from the ninth month of service.
- —The system for compensating transport expenses for conscripts is also being simplified, with a portion of the previous lump sum now integrated into monthly allowances, and an increased maximum for those living abroad.
- —The Ministry of Defence has allocated 11 million euros for conscript allowances in the 2026 budget, with the last increase to these allowances occurring in 2021.
Recap
Estonia's allowance increase for conscripts is a direct response to economic pressures threatening military morale and readiness. The policy aims to mitigate financial hardship caused by inflation, ensuring that mandatory national service does not become an untenable burden for young citizens. This financial adjustment is a strategic investment in the sustainability and effectiveness of the country's conscript-based defense system.