Brief remarks by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander at ‘The Future is Now’ business forum during the state visit to Slovakia


Madam President, ladies and gentlemen,

It’s good to see so many Slovak and Dutch entrepreneurs gathered here today. This is a fine example of strategic cooperation within the European Union. 

You represent a wide range of sectors, but I think there’s a common thread that runs through your work. An overarching theme. And that’s the importance of a healthy life in a healthy and clean living environment. 

This is a priority that all of you share,  in one way or another.

For those of you in the healthcare sector, this is quite obvious.

But soil decontamination and good waste management are also directly related to our well-being in a clean environment.

Ultimately, this is about the entire circular economy. Making our economy circular is the only way we can live and work in a healthy way, with respect for nature. Now and in the future.
We urgently need to work on solutions to reduce waste and pollution. And on innovations that will improve the quality of our lives, our soil, our water and our natural environment.

It’s fantastic that you’ve come together to think about those solutions and innovations.

So much knowledge and experience is already available. I’d like to invite you to share it with each other, because together we can achieve much more and produce results faster.

My wife and I look forward to talking to some of you later, and hearing your ideas on how you can join forces. 

Slovakia and the Netherlands are natural partners. We’ve made a good start, but we can do so much more.

I wish you every success!