Slovakia PM Welcomes Euro, Expresses Worry On Natural Gas
"We are introducing the euro at a difficult time, Slovakia has to tackle the financial and economic crisis as well as the gas crisis endangering the entire Slovakia," Fico at a gala ceremony to mark the first week of Slovakia's use of the euro. Slovakia began using the currency Jan. 1.
"We represent a good partner for the euro. Slovakia will have one of highest economic growths in the eurozone in spite of the global crisis," said Fico, whose country became the 16th member of the euro club.
"We wish you success in this historic moment," European Commission Chairman Jose Manuel Barroso said at the event. He said adoption of the euro brings many advantages but requires also discipline.
"The common currency is a test of discipline, its success depends on whether everybody is able to meet the rules. You were able to meet them regardless of ideology," said Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, in a reference to Fico's left-leaning cabinet.
Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany said his country would try to follow Slovakia's example in adopting the euro.
"I know this is not a competition who will be first in the eurozone, but I can imagine that it is a nice feeling to be the first among us in the region.
"In the past years, you've been probably the most dynamic country in the region. We respect your success and we'll try to follow it," Gyurcsany said.
-Dow Jones Newswires, 201-938-5500
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Publié le 08 janvier 2009 Copyright © 2009 Dowjones
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