Slovenia adopts euro as new currency

Slovenia adopted the euro on Monday, becoming the 13th EU nation to use the single European currency.  Minister of Finance Andrej Bajuk was the first to use a cash machine to withdraw Slovenian euros. "We are extremely happy and proud. We took this as a national project and we have indeed achieved and fulfilled all the criteria to make this a reality. It's extremely important for us", said Bajuk.

Slovenes adopted the currency at a rate of 239.640 tolars to one euro as of Jan 1.  The Slovene tolar and the euro will be in dual use until Jan. 15, when the euro will officially take over as the country's sole legal tender. (AP)