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Introduction

The main outlines of government policy are set down in the coalition agreement and the government statement of policy on taking office. The government presents its plans for the coming year at the state opening of parliament on the third Tuesday in September ('Prinsjesdag').

Coalition agreement

When a new government is being formed, the parties who are going to take part in the coalition agree on the policies that will be pursued for the next four years. These plans and the principles on which the policies are based are set down in the coalition agreement.

On 7 February 2007 the Christian Democratic Alliance, Labour Party and Christian Union reached a coalition agreement.

Policy statement

This is the statement delivered by the Prime Minister to the House of Representatives of the States General presenting the new government and outlining the main plans for the next government's term of office. 

Jan Peter Balkenende delivered his government's statement of policy on 1 March 2007.

Policy Programme

The Policy Programme for 2007-2011 was presented to Parliament on 14 June 2007. The programme fleshes out the coalition agreement.

Budget and Speech from the Throne

Every year, on the third Tuesday in September, the government presents its budget and the Queen delivers the Speech from the Throne, outlining the government's policy plans for the coming year.