Dual display was set up as early as March

Are Slovenes ready for the transition to the euro

I think so. I do not expect big problems. Even if the conversion rate does not make things easy. Important information work has been done. And the euro is particularly welcomed by the population: according to polls, at least two-thirds of the Slovenian State favourable to the replacement of the tolar by the single currency.

Don't you be afraid of rising prices on this occasion

The Slovenia took advantage of the experience of countries that are already in the euro area. We have drawn lessons. Dual display was set up as early as March. Consumer associations are very mobilized: they follow very closely the evolution of prices and alert the media abuse. I am confident, the rate of inflation fell in November to 2.3 and the rate out of oil and food is stable around 1. Fears of a skid will increasing the deadline approaches, but they are not justified for the moment.

The Slovenia is the first of the new Member States to adopt the euro. How do you explain this success

The main reason, in my view, this success lies in the national mobilization which took place around this project. All major political parties and the vast majority of the population were favourable to the changeover to the euro and ensure that the single currency can be adopted quickly. Trade unions including accepted salary sacrifice to make this possible. Who deserves to be emphasized. We are now reaping the fruits of this collective effort.

What benefits do you expect for the Slovenia of the change of currency

We are very open to the world: we export 60 of what we produce. It is essential for us to live in a stable environment. The Elimination of exchange risks will be us very profitable. The euro is also a form of very important recognition for the Slovenia. The same rules of the game than in the rest of the euro area will now apply. What should be beneficial to our economy.

In terms of foreign investment flows, that your country struggling to attract

Yes of course! Many people do not know where the Slovenia. The introduction of the euro will perhaps encourage investors to take a look on the country. We have, it's true, attracted relatively little foreign investment, due to a very cautious privatisation policy. But we are now accelerating the March in the banking sector, energy and telecommunications.

Your Government has relinquished to introduce a "flat tax" () on the model of those in force in several countries in Central Europe. Why

I was very reserved on the "flat tax". Should not, in my view, the tax issues of ideological way, but with a concern for efficiency in the long term. Each country must develop the tax system more beneficial to its development and social stability. We have finally decided to reduce the rate and the number of slices of the income tax and gradually reduce the corporate tax rate. Reform will represent a decline in revenue equivalent to 1.6 of GDP in the first place.

How understanding you the rotating Presidency of the European Union for the first half of 2008

For a young country like the Slovenia, independent for fifteen years, this Presidency obviously represents an enormous challenge. We are expecting already. I do not expect big problems. Often in the European Union, the "small" countries, which do not have a long history of interest in each folder, are those who manage to reach consensus.