Netherlands

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Previous reports: 2024 | 2023/24




Conscription currently imposed? No

Suspended 1997.

Could be reinstated in war; military registration still enforced.

Conscientious objection first recognised 1922 Constitutional amendment
CO release of professional soldiers – May apply under general Act on Conscientious Objection to Military Service. Legal appeal possible in case of refusal.
Minimum recruitment age 17 Voluntary recruitment
Military expenditure1
$ (% change from 2024) Per capita % of GDP
28,944m (+14.5%) $1,582 2.2%


  1. Military expenditure figures are estimates published by SIPRI (The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) in April 2026.↩︎