EC proposes Slovakia adopts euro in 2009

BRUSSELS, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia can adopt the euro in 2009, becoming the 16th member of the single currency zone, the European Commission (EC) said on Wednesday.

The European Union (EU) executive arm said it would make a proposal to the EU finance ministers to accept Slovakia's membership.

A final decision was expected in July after the European Parliament gives its opinion and EU heads of state and government have discussed the subject at their summit meeting in June.

"Slovakia has achieved a high degree of sustainable economic convergence and is ready to adopt the euro on Jan. 1, 2009," said Joaquin Almunia, EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs.