Support for mandatory conscription grows, but many would avoid service
The Netherlands has seen a rising support for reintroducing mandatory military service, with 58 percent of the population in favor of bringing back active conscription. However, despite this growing approval, over half of those eligible to serve would seek to avoid military duty, according to a recent survey by EenVandaag.
The survey, which included responses from about 2,900 participants between the ages of 18 and 44, reveals that while the idea of conscription has gained traction, particularly amid concerns about rising geopolitical threats, many people, especially younger generations, remain opposed to serving.
In the wake of rising tensions with Russia and uncertainty about NATO’s stability under President Trump, support for active conscription has grown. A year ago, only 44 percent of respondents supported reinstating mandatory service. That number has now increased to 58 percent of the population, with many citing concerns over Russia’s growing aggression and the potential consequences of a weakened NATO.
"It’s naive to think we won’t have problems with Russia or that other countries will solve them for us without a strong defense," one participant noted.
Despite the increasing support, a significant number of young people remain reluctant to return to military service. Among those eligible, only 44 percent are in favor of reintroducing conscription. Many in this group see little value in forcing individuals to serve, arguing that it is more important to invest in professional soldiers and military equipment rather than conscripting unmotivated personnel.
"You can’t rely on unmotivated soldiers," one participant argued. "It’s better to invest in professional troops and good equipment than to waste money on people who don’t want to fight."
While only a small fraction of young people express interest in military service, a notable portion is willing to defend the country under the right circumstances. Among those physically capable of serving, 20 percent say they would be willing to join the military in case of a direct threat to the Netherlands. They view defending the country’s freedom as a personal responsibility.
"People have died for our freedom in the past. You have to be willing to do the same. Otherwise, you don’t deserve that freedom," one respondent said.
On the other hand, 35 percent of young people say they would be willing to contribute in non-combat roles, such as medics, mechanics, or IT specialists, if called upon. However, 40 percent of participants expressed no willingness to serve in any capacity.
Avoiding service
If conscription were to be reintroduced, more than half of eligible young people (54 percent) say they would attempt to avoid the draft, often citing reasons such as religious beliefs or conscientious objections. One participant explained, "Maybe it's selfish, but why should I sacrifice myself to fight at the front when I believe war is never the solution? War always has losers."
While the idea of military service is gaining support, most people believe that the likelihood of being drafted in the near future is minimal. Only 10 percent of participants think there is a significant chance they will be called upon in the next five years. Additionally, 77 percent of respondents believe it is unlikely that the Netherlands will be physically attacked by another country in the foreseeable future, due to its geographic location and the challenges an invader would face.
In contrast, many respondents see a higher likelihood of NATO countries being attacked, particularly those near Russia, such as the Baltic states. More than half (53 percent) believe these countries are at greater risk of an attack, and if such an attack occurs, the Netherlands would likely send professional soldiers to assist.
