Four years after joining the European Union, Slovakia has been told it is ready to join the euro in January 2009.
The European Central Bank said Slovakia had met the necessary benchmarks, but expressed concern about inflation.
It is the first former communist country in Eastern Europe to pass the criteria for the single currency. A final decision will be made in July.
Poland, Hungary and the Baltic states are unlikely to join the euro until well after 2010.
Deutsche expects $3.9bn writedown ...
'Optimism' over German rail row ... />Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico hailed the announcement as a "great opportunity".
"We consider the adoption of the euro to be the continuation of the success story that began with the entry into the European Union," he said.
Slovakia's economic success stems from a flat tax rate and a clamp-down on abuse of its welfare system. In 2007, its economy grew by more than 10%.
The European Central Bank said that strong economic growth would bring improved living standards but also higher price levels.
(BBC)
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