The period spent on partial paid leave for child care until the child reaches the age of 3 will be included in the military service record. Additionally, contract soldiers will be entitled to parental leave, as well as leave in the case of adopting newborn children or taking them into custody. These provisions are included in a draft law that was passed by Parliament in its final reading, IPN reports.

According to the draft law, contract soldiers in the Armed Forces will have the right to travel for free on all types of local/municipal road transport, excluding taxis.

Another provision grants contract soldiers the right to participate in development projects funded from external sources within the military bodies where they serve.

“Military service under contract involves a more demanding lifestyle and work conditions compared to civilian service, with strict restrictions and prohibitions. The current social protection measures are insufficient to compensate for the conditions under which contract soldiers are required to perform their duties. The draft law includes a series of amendments aimed at improving social protection for military personnel and their families, increasing the attractiveness of military service, and addressing inequalities and discrimination,” stated the Ministry of Defense, which is also the author of the bill.