​The Government has proposed raising the maximum age limit for reservists. In the future, conscripts would remain liable for military service until the end of the year in which they turn 65, regardless of their military rank. The proposed change would apply to all persons liable for military service born in 1966 or later.

Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen (Parliamentary Group of the National Coalition Party) presented the government proposal to Parliament for referral debate on 4 September. The Minister emphasized that Finland's national defence continues to be based on strong will to defend the country and a broad reserve. According to the Minister, raising the age limit is also a frequently expressed wish among citizens.

The proposal would extend the availability of conscripts by 15 years for enlisted personnel and by 5 years for non-commissioned officers and officers. It would also provide the Defence Forces and the Finnish Border Guard with wider range of options for assigning individuals to key positions in emergencies regardless of their military rank.

Minister Häkkänen also highlighted that, under the proposed legislative changes, participation in voluntary national defence activities would be possible without a prescibed upper age limit.

If the reforms are approved, the size of the reserve would increase by 125,000 conscripts over a five-year transition period. By 2031, the reserve would consist of approximately one million individuals.

Corresponding amendments would be made to the Non-Military Service Act.

The Government intends for the laws to enter into force on 1 January 2026.

Next Steps in Parliamentary Consideration

At the end of the referral debate, the matter was referred to the Defence Committee. After committee consideration, the matter will return to a plenary session. Parliament will then consider the committee report before deciding on the new law.