News and Events
19 October 2007
Prizma 2007 awarded to the national communication campaign "The euro - for all of us"
At the recent 11th Slovenian Conference on Public Relations, which
took place between 17 and 19 October 2007 in Terme Olimia, the
Government Communication Office and the Bank of Slovenia were awarded
the PRIZMA 2007 award for communication excellence in the national
campaign supporting the introduction of the euro - "The Euro - for All
of Us".
31 May 2007
Another Flash Eurobarometer survey after the introduction of the euro in Slovenia
Following the successful introduction of the euro the European
Commission also conducted another survey in April with the general
public - Flash
Eurobarometer 208.
4 May 2007
Slovenia's changeover to the euro - a clear success
The changeover to the euro in Slovenia was a swift and smooth affair
and although the price of some goods and services increased, overall
inflation has remained broadly stable, shows a Communication adopted
by the Commission four months after Slovenia became the 13th member of
the euro area. For the other countries waiting to adopt the euro, the
experience shows that the 'Big Bang' approach - i.e. irrevocable
locking of the exchange rate and simultaneous introduction of the euro
banknotes and coins - works and that a two-week dual circulation
period is sufficient provided that the changeover is well and timely
prepared. In some aspects, e.g. return of legacy cash, Slovenia even
performed better than when the euro cash was introduced in 2002,
thereby minimising costs and burdens on businesses.
26 March 2007
Slovenians queue for commemorative euro coins
People were standing in line in front of the Slovenian central bank on
Monday morning to get their hands on the limited-issue commemorative
euro coins marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. The
two-euro coin was issued in all 13 eurozone states, including
Slovenia, which adopted the single currency on 1 January this year. It
is the first euro coin commemorating the same event to be issued
throughout the eurozone.
5 March 2007
Consumer Guardian: More Price Hikes in Services Sector
The Slovenian Consumers' Association has found that that the services
sector heads the list of euro-related price hikes. According to its
statics, services were far more frequently to blame for euro-related
price hikes than products. Findings of its Pricewatch project of price
monitoring suggest what official consumer price index statistics have
also shown: that there was more price increases following the adoption
of the euro among providers of services than among retailers. While
admitting significant differences in the type of study, head of the
Slovenian Consumers' Association Breda Kutin told the press on Monday
that there was nevertheless a pattern that emerged from both sets of
data.
2 March 2007
In February 2007 monthly inflation at -0.2%, annual inflation at 2.1%.
In the second month of this year deflation was recorded as compared to
a month earlier consumer prices fell by 0.2%. The fall in prices was
the result of lower prices of both goods and services. Goods were on
average 0.2% cheaper: prices of non-durable goods fell by 0.3% and of
durable goods by 0.1%, while prices of semi-durable goods went up by
0.1%. While in the previous three months prices of services increased,
this time they decreased on average by 0.1%.
1 March 2007
Commission-Free Exchange of Tolars at Banks Ends
Banks, postal offices and savings banks will be able to charge commission for changing tolars into euros as of Friday as 1 March marks the last day of two-month period in which they had to provide the service free of charge.
7 February 2007
Euro Adoption Went Smoothly, Government Agrees
The euro changeover in Slovenia was carried out without problems and
according to plans, the government agreed at Wednesday's session. This
proves that the preparations for the adoption of the euro were
thorough, says the report on the euro switch adopted by the cabinet.
6 February 2007
Banks Start Commission for Coin Deposits
Slovenian banks started cutting commission for coin deposits after
they came under fire from companies which mainly operate with coins
for the exorbitant fees.
30 January 2007
Eurogroup Not to Take Decision over Slovenia's Labour Force
The head of the Eurogroup does not think the group could take any
decision regarding a lifting of restrictions on the movement of
Slovenian workers in the EU now that the country has joined the group
of euro nations.
15 January 2007
Ceremony: Slovenia and EU Winners of Euro's Arrival in Slovenia
Slovenia ushered in the euro with a high-profile ceremony befitting of
the keynote speakers' words about a historic event for the country as
well as the whole of the EU. Dozens of senior European officials were
on hand for the event in Ljubljana on Monday, which took place as
Slovenia said a final farewell to the tolar, its currency of 15 years.
15 January 2007
Euro Conference Stresses Benefits, Challenges of Euro
A conference held as part of official euro celebrations in Ljubljana
on Monday was told that Slovenia stands to enjoy extensive benefits
from adopting the euro, although it must also be mindful of the
challenges ahead.
15 January 2007
Euro Fever to Reach Peak at Special Ceremony
The euphoria surrounding the arrival of the euro in Slovenia is to
culminate with a massive ceremony in Ljubljana on Monday, the day the
Slovenian tolar ceases to be legal tender, featuring a host of top
European officials.
14 January 2007
The Tolar Goes into Retirement
Sunday marks the final day of the two-week period of dual circulation
that started when Slovenia introduced the euro as legal tender on 1
January. As of Monday all transactions will have to be carried out in
euros and the tolar will bid farewell after a brief but eventful 15
years as the national currency.
12 January 2007
The Euro to Be Celebrated with Fanfare
Two weeks after the adoption of the euro and on the day the Slovenian
tolar ceases to be legal tender, Slovenia will celebrate the
historical event on Monday with a red carpet ceremony that will
feature some senior European officials. Among those expected to be in
attendance for the event are German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European
Commission President Jose Manual Barroso, European Central Bank
Governor Jean-Claude Trichet and Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude
Juncker.
5 January 2007
European Commission Lauds Euro Changeover
The European Commission on Friday applauded Slovenia's changeover to
the euro as swift and problem-free. "Slovenia's adoption of the euro
is taking place in a very swift and smooth manner. This shows that
Slovenians were able to benefit from the experience of the first group
of countries that launched EU monetary union but is also testimony of
their excellent preparation," European Economic and Monetary Affairs
Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said.
1 January 2007
Euro changeover according to plans
At 4 pm on 1 January 2007, 1,400 automated teller machines were
operational which represents 92% of the ATM network. There were 17,233
withdrawals recorded totalling 770,000 euros with an average of 45
euros per withdrawal. The balance on accounts was checked by 14,043
inhabitants. This key information was released by the Governor of the
Bank of Slovenia, Mr Mitja Gaspari, at today's press conference. The
Minister of Finance, Mr Andrej Bajuk, pointed out that the
introduction of the euro was running as planned and commended
Slovenians for their moderate and reasonable behaviour in the
transition to a new currency.
1 January 2007
Euro Arrives in Slovenia with a Bang
At the stroke of the New Year Slovenia formally scrapped its national
currency, the tolar, to adopt the euro and become the 13th member of
the eurozone, in what has been labelled as a historical step for
Slovenia as well as the EU. The transition went smoothly and people
can already withdraw crisp euros from ATMs.
29 December 2006
Finance Minister, Central Bank Governor upbeat about euro switch
With only three days left before Slovenia adopts the euro, Finance
Minister Andrej Bajuk and Banka Slovenije Governor Mitja Gaspari said
they were optimistic about the changeover. "We are convinced that we
have set up the infrastructure and distributed sufficient information
to solve problems that are bound to crop up in real time," Bajuk told
the press in Ljubljana.
29 December 2006
Announcement of a statement by the Governor of the Bank of Slovenia Mitja Gaspari on 31 December 2006
The Governor of the Bank of Slovenia Mitja Gaspari will give a
statement regarding the introduction of euro on 31 December 2006 - at
midnight, in the premises of the Bank of Slovenia on Slovenska cesta
35, Ljubljana. On occasion he will also exchange tolars for euros at
the cashier's desk of the Bank of Slovenia, which will for the general
public be exchanging the two currencies until 01:00 am on 1 January
2007.
28 December 2006
Barroso and Almunia Congratulate Slovenia on Euro
The President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and the
European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquin
Almunia, have congratulated Slovenia on its accession to the eurozone,
expressing their belief that the changeover will "run
smoothly" and that the euro is a "great opportunity"
for Slovenia.
27 December 2006
Retailers Told to Stock Euro Cash
With just five days to go before the euro becomes legal tender, the
Bank Association of Slovenia on Wednesday said retailers were being
slow to stock up on euro coins and bills which they will need in the
first few days after New Year's.
23 December 2006
Service Stations to Suspend Operations Due to Euro Changeover
Around-the-clock service stations across Slovenia will close for a
while in the night to New Year's Day in order to customize their
software and operations for the launch of the euro as the official
currency.
21 December 2006
Slovenia's countdown to the euro
With only ten days to go before Slovenia adopts the euro, the final
practical changeover preparations are well under way and everybody,
from the banks to the retail sector and consumers themselves, seems to
be ready. Commercial banks and retailers have received, or are about
to, euro banknotes and coins and since last week households have also
been able to procure themselves 'mini-kits' to familiarise themselves
with the euro.
20 December 2006
Survey: Slovenians Well Informed About Euro Changeover
Counting down the final days to the euro changeover, the majority of
Slovenians feel they are sufficiently informed about the details
concerning the adoption of the new currency, a survey commissioned by
Bank of Slovenia, the central bank, revealed on Wednesday.
15 December 2006
Banks Start Selling Euro Coin Starter Sets
Banks on Friday started selling starter sets of Slovenian euro coins
in a bid to help Slovenians get used to the new currency. One pack
costs SIT 3,000 and contains 44 coins of all denominations worth EUR
12.52.
14 December 2006
The Slovenian Consumers' Association published the black list of price hikes
National postal company Posta Slovenije and retailer Spar top the
black list of companies at which price hikes were recorded before the
1 January euro changeover, the Slovenian Consumers' Association (ZPS)
said on Thursday.
12 December 2006
Publication "Evro pred vrati!" was released
The Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Bank of Slovenia
prepared a common informative brochure entitled "Evro pred vrati"
("The Euro on Your Doorstep"), that will in the following
days be delivered to Slovenian citizens by post. The purpose of this
last common publication is to present crucial information regarding
the immanent introduction of euro.
7 December 2006
ECB Chief Praises Slovenia's Preparations for the Euro
The president of the European Central Bank (ECB) Jean-Claude Trichet
praised the Slovenian central bank and the government for the job they
have done in preparation for the 1 January adoption of the
euro. "They have shown model cooperation with the ECB and other
European institutions," Trichet said.
7 December 2006
Government Tells Ministries Not to Use Euro Switch to Raise Fees
The government on Thursday made the commitment not to use the
changeover to the euro to increase fees and contributions determined
in regulations and other legal acts that it adopts or which it can
influence. All ministries and government departments have been ordered
to honour the commitment until 30 June 2007.
7 December 2006
Business Chambers Ask Companies to Pledge Price Restraint
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) and Chamber of Craft
Industries (OZS) urged Slovenian companies to sign up to a euro price
code. Companies adhering to the code will pledge not to raise their
prices as part of the upcoming euro changeover.
28 November 2006
Slovenia Brings Clear Message to Eurozone
"Slovenia brings a simple and clear message to the eurozone - God's
blessing on all nations", Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk said as he
opened in Brussels on Tuesday an exhibition entitled Slovenia and the
euro.
24 November 2006
Euro Act Enters into Force
The act on the euro, which defines the procedures during Slovenia's
changeover to the euro as a national currency on 1 January 2007,
entered into force.
14 November 2006
Presentation of the Communications Campaign Accompanying the Introduction of the Euro in Slovenia
The advertising campaign entitled /®e raèunate na evro?/ ("Are You
Counting on the Euro?"), which began recently, is intended to supplement
regular communication activities, and inform the public about three key
issues, namely that:
- the new coins are not small change, but have considerable
value,
- the new currency brings new values that will take some getting used to
- the changeover does not mean higher prices, but that people should check prices, and the change returned, and pay attention to unfair rounding or calculating of amounts.
19 October 2006
Chamber Warns Small Firms to Gear up for Euro
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) has warned small companies
to get serious about getting ready for the adoption of the euro, which
is less than three months away.
11 October 2006
Parliamentary Committee Endorses Euro Bill
The parliament's committee on finance and monetary policy endorsed the
euro bill, which defines the procedures during Slovenia's changeover
to the euro as a national currency, which is scheduled for 1 January
2007.
8 October 2006
Survey: Slovenians Fear Price Hikes after Euro Changeover
Slovenians fear price hikes, incorrect rounding-up of prices and loss
of purchasing power after the euro replaces the Slovenian tolar on 1
January 2007, show the results of a survey, commissioned by the
central bank.
25 September 2006
Pricewatch Finds No Significant Price Increases
The prices of products and services that the Slovene Consumers'
Association is monitoring under the Pricewatch project remained mostly
unchanged between May and August, the association announced. According
to Breda Kutin, the head of the Slovene Consumers' Association, prices
of 300 surveyed goods rose by 0.06% on average in the May-August
period. Since February, there has been a 0.6% rise in prices, Kutin
added.
20 July 2006
Government Adopts Euro Bill
The cabinet has adopted the euro bill that paves the way for
Slovenia's switch to the single currency on 1 January 2007. The bill
defines the procedures during the country's switch to the euro as a
national currency, Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk explained after
Thursday's cabinet session.
11 July 2006
Communiqué of the European central bank and
the Banka Slovenije
11 July 2006
Honouring Slovenia's Entry to the Eurozone
On Tuesday, 11 July 2006, after the meeting of financial and economic
ministers (ECOFIN) at which Slovenia is expected to receive final
confirmation on its entry to the Eurozone, an event in honour of this
occasion will take place at Rond-Point Schuman, Brussels. The event
will be jointly organised by the European Commission and the
Government PR and Media Office of the Republic of Slovenia.
28 June 2006
Commission proposes the euro conversion rate for Slovenia
The European Commission today proposed that with effect from 1
January 2007 the euro will replace Slovenia's currency, the tolar, at
the fixed and irrevocable conversion rate of 239.640 tolars for one
euro. This is the central rate at which the tolar entered ERMII two
years ago and at which the tolar-euro exchange rate has stayed close
ever since. The decision on the conversion rate must be taken by the
euro area finance ministers together with Slovenia during the next
Ecofin Council on July 11.
22 June 2006
Third report on practical preparations for the
euro: Commission urges Slovenia to speed up final steps
With
only six months to go before the expected adoption of the euro, the
European Commission today urged Slovenia to step up the final
preparations for a successful introduction of the single currency
expected to take place on 1 January 2007.
12 June 2006
Exhibition of € - banknotes and
€ - coins
From 12 June to 12 July 2006 the National Museum
of Slovenia is hosting an exhibition of euro banknotes and coins. The
exhibition, organised by the European Central Bank and the European
Commission, presents the banknotes and coins of the single European
currency, the progress of the design competition for the national and
European sides of the euro coins, and the currency changeover
procedure in 2002.
16 May 2006
European Commission and ECB propose Slovenia to adopt the euro in January 2007
The European Commission and European Central Bank (ECB) released
separate assessments of Slovenia's readiness to join the eurozone as
of 1 January 2007. Both institutions gave Slovenia the thumbs up
thereby paving the way for it to become the first among the countries
that joined the EU in May 2004 to adopt the euro.
Slovenija, 17 March 2006
International Conference on Euro
The European Commission and the Slovenian authorities organised a
key conference on governance in the European Economic Monetary Union
(EMU) and on Slovenia's preparations for adopting the euro.
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