Slovakia geared for euro in spite of negative campaign, says prime minister

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

BRATISLAVA (AFP) — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Thursday the country would meet the criteria for adopting the euro in early 2009, as he lashed out at a campaign against the move.

"We are already in position to meet them (the economic criteria for euro adoption) and we'll continue to meet them. You do not need to have any concerns about that," Fico said, adding that the budget deficit was at an historic low and inflation was being mastered.

Fico's coalition government wants the country to be the first in central Europe to adopt the euro next January.

He accused the media and "internal politics" for a campaign that has soured Slovaks against the euro adoption.

"If we have to be afraid of something, it is the atmosphere that is being spread...