Dutch ready to look beyond austerity as more money set for defense, security

People in traditional Dutch clothes pose for pictures outside the 13th century "Hall of Knights", where Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander is to officially open the new parliamentary year with a speech outlining the government's plan and budget policies for the year ahead, in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) (The Associated Press)

Pauline de Haas, left, and Jetty Duijndam, right, dressed in the colors of the Royal House of Orange, enjoy a coffee on a terrace in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, as they wait for the parade of the Golden Carriage carrying Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander to the 13th century "Hall of Knight" where he officially open the new parliamentary year with a speech outlining the government's plan and budget policies for the year ahead. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) (The Associated Press)

The Dutch government is presenting a budget for 2015 that for the first time in years will be focused less on 'austerity' and more on security in light of international conflicts.

In a day full of pomp and ceremony, King Willem Alexander will ride in a golden carriage to address both houses of parliament in the ceremonial 13th century "Hall of Knights" in The Hague.

The budget numbers are expected to show more money for both defense and intelligence agencies, with the downing of Malaysian Airlines 17 above Eastern Ukraine looming large in the Dutch psyche, along with fears about Dutch jihadists returning from Syria.

The Dutch economy is slowly recovering, mostly due to strong exports, after years of difficulty due to spending cuts and a burst housing bubble.