diff --git a/pom.xml b/pom.xml
index d4919f2e..e854e5a8 100644
--- a/pom.xml
+++ b/pom.xml
@@ -226,6 +226,13 @@ OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
   <build>
     <pluginManagement>
       <plugins>
+        <plugin>
+          <artifactId>maven-compiler-plugin</artifactId>
+          <configuration>
+            <source>1.8</source>
+            <target>1.8</target>
+          </configuration>
+        </plugin>
         <plugin>
           <artifactId>maven-failsafe-plugin</artifactId>
           <configuration>
diff --git a/system.properties b/system.properties
index 97270b43..5e8606c8 100644
--- a/system.properties
+++ b/system.properties
@@ -1 +1 @@
-java.runtime.version=1.7
+java.runtime.version=1.8