The Defense Committee of the Estonian parliament, Riigikogu, has taken a significant step by unanimously deciding to bring forward a draft bill that establishes a requirement for conscripts to attain a minimum B1 level proficiency in the Estonian language. This new mandate is set to come into effect at the beginning of next year, aiming to enhance communication and integration within the military ranks, particularly for those who may not be native Estonian speakers.

The proposed legislation also includes provisions for individuals who do not meet the language proficiency requirement. Specifically, if conscripts fail to comply with the language criteria, they will be mandated to complete a compulsory language course within the following year. This additional support is intended to ensure that all service members can effectively communicate in Estonian, fostering a more cohesive military environment and promoting national language capabilities among all recruits.

This initiative reflects Estonia's broader commitment to strengthening its national defense and ensuring that all conscripts are adequately prepared for their service. By instituting a language requirement, the Defense Committee is advocating for improved understanding and effectiveness within the defense forces, which is critical in the context of Estonia's security landscape and the ongoing emphasis on national identity and unity.