Slovenia Signs Partnership Agreement on Euro Campaign

Brussels, 8 November

Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk and European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia on Tuesday signed an agreement to cooperate in the campaign leading up to the adoption of the euro.

Bajuk said that by signing the agreement, Slovenia took another important step in its practical preparations for euro zone entry.
Meanwhile, Almunia underscored that providing adequate information was essential for a successful changeover to the single currency.
Slovenia wishes to introduce the euro on 1 January 2007, along with Estonia and Lithuania whose ministers also signed partnership agreements with Almunia.
All the countries are collectively scheduled to receive EUR 2.3m, to be divided approximately into thirds.
According to Almunia, the European Commission would support the countries' national campaigns by sharing its experience from the original euro changeover, and providing information for the campaign as well as financial support.
"We might witness another historic enlargement next year," Almunia said today, but refused to estimate what the actual chances were. The convergence report on the fulfillment of euro criteria will not be made until mid-2006.
Inflation rate currently represents Slovenia's only unmet Maastricht criterion. "However, inflation has been decreasing since 2001 and I believe the criterion will be met in early 2006," Bajuk stated.
He said Slovenia's support for euro zone entry was high and the population well-informed. Surveys show that 60% of the population feel they are well informed, 58% support the euro, while as many as 87% believe it would take place in January 2007, he added.
The euro promotion campaign will officially be launched on 1 March 2006, along with the informative double pricing in euros and tolars, and is to continue for six months after the changeover.
The campaign is to be carried out in line with the adopted communication strategy and focus on the presentation of euro and its advantages, as well as the role of the European Central Bank (ECB). It will promote adaptations and inform the population about practical aspects of the changeover.
The Commission is to take part in the national campaigns through the Prince programme, which was designed in 1995. It will support the media campaign, as well as various conferences, brochures and slogans.

Slovenia Signs Partnership Agreement on Euro Campaign

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