European Union Economics Affairs Commissioner Tuesday said he expects Slovakia's bid to adopt the euro in 2009 to be successful.
European Union Economics Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia Tuesday said he expects Slovakia's bid to adopt the euro in 2009 to be successful.
"However, I cannot anticipate the actual decision," Almunia told a news conference, after meeting with Slovakia's finance minister and central bank officials.
The assessment of this central European country's readiness to join the E.U. monetary union will be announced in May 2008, Almunia said.
"Slovakian economic growth is impressive," he said, adding that the country also is doing well in "modernizing" its industries.
However, the commissioner warned that more work has to be done in reducing Slovak inflation, which in turn requires careful fiscal policies from the Slovak government.
