June 16, 2006 -- The European Union has given Slovenia approval to join the eurozone next year.
Slovenia would become the first country to adopt the euro from among the 10 mostly ex-communist countries that joined the bloc in 2004.
European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso says the decision "opens a new chapter in European monetary integration." EU finance ministers must formally approve the decision at a July 11 meeting.
(compiled from agency reports)