Netherlands plans selective military service system

The Netherlands is developing legislation to introduce a selective military service system. According to State Secretary for Defense Gijs Tuinman, the goal is to allow the Ministry of Defence to call upon specific recruits only when deemed necessary due to security situations or additional NATO tasks.

The proposed framework would implement recruitment in several escalating phases. These include mandatory questionnaires, medical examinations, and selection processes. Depending on the urgency and the number of personnel required, the final stage could involve mandatory military service. While the military will primarily consist of professionals and voluntary reservists, this mechanism serves as a contingency if voluntary recruitment becomes insufficient.

Under the plan, young people between the ages of 18 and 27 would have flexibility regarding when they serve. The program includes a six-month training period as part of a national resilience initiative. Although mandatory conscription has been suspended since 1997, the legal obligation for individuals aged 17 to 45 technically remains in place. The legislative process is expected to take several years, with parliamentary discussions scheduled to continue in late September.