THE HAGUE, 20/09/00 - "At the start of this 21st century, the Netherlands is experiencing a period of economic prosperity. From today's prosperity, we must work towards tomorrow's wealth and welfare. " These were the first words of the speech from the throne by Queen Beatrix yesterday, marking the opening of the new parliamentary year.

The thriving economy means that billions of guilders extra will be available next year for investments in healthcare, education, and the environment. Having said this, the Queen went on to detail the plans of all the ministries item by item.

There were also points of concern. These included the large numbers receiving employee disability benefit (WAO), the educational arrears of some sections of the population, and the crime rate. "During the coming period, special attention will be paid to all forms of safety and the prevention and combating of violence on the streets, juvenile crime, environmental offenses and serious crime. "Fighting cross-border crime, including human trafficking, demands intensive European cooperation," the monarch declared, and stated that European agreements on joint asylum and immigration policies must quickly be worked out in more detail.

"Europe is no longer abroad. Europe is our future," the Queen maintained. She also stated that the European contribution to crisis control and peacekeeping operations should be strengthened.

She called the expansion of the EU to include countries from Central and Eastern Europe "A historic task", offering opportunities for both the candidate nations and the present member countries, and securing democracy and stability throughout the continent.

"The international community must consider how it can take on greater responsibility for the prevention and elimination of conflicts, which are racking the African continent in particular," Beatrix declared. In relation to NATO, she reiterated the government position that a strong transatlantic bond remains indispensable.