President of the European Central Bank handed over a symbolic sixteenth eurostar to the NBS´s Governor Ivan Sramko
Today, (21 September 2008), President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Jean-Claude Trichet ceremonially handed over the sixteenth eurostar – the symbol of a new Eurosystem member and a symbol of an important historic milestone – the Slovakian entry to the euro area – to the Governor of the Národná banka Slovenska (NBS) Ivan Sramko. At the same time, the President of the ECB uncovered the banner placed in front of the main entrance to the NBS which is a smaller version of the big megaboard hanging on the NBS headquarters building – a symbol of the introduction of the new currency. Within the premises of Národná banka Slovenska, President of the ECB J.C. Trichet also inaugurated The Euro Exhibition of the European Central Bank. The aim of the exhibition is to increase public awareness of the euro banknotes and coins and their security features in an interesting and interactive way (see the press release of the NBS from 19 September 2008). President of the ECB J.C. Trichet will appear on Monday (22 September 2008) at the International Conference – the Slovakia Euro Changeover Conference. The main task of the Conference is to increase awareness of and the dialogue on issues linked with the euro adoption in Slovakia. During the Conference Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic (SR) Robert Fico will also deliver a speech, as will Eurocommissioner responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia, the Minister of Finance SR Mr Ján Po iatek and the Governor of Národná banka Slovenska Ivan Sramko and other representatives of public and private sphere. The Slovak Republic is the fourth country from the new member states of the European Union to adopt the euro. Similar conferences on the country´s entry to the euro area were held in Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta.
Jana Kovacova
Spokesperson of the NBS
National Bank of Slovakia
Communications Section
Imricha Karvasa 1, 813 25 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Tel.: +421-2-5787 2161,+421-2-5865 2161, +421-2-5787 2166, +421-2-5865 2166
Internet: http://www.nbs.sk
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