Slovenia Adopts the Euro, Becomes 13th Eurozone Member

Ljubljana, 1 January - Slovenia adopted the euro in a "big bang" scenario on Monday, becoming the 13th member of the eurozone, which has now expanded to a population of over 316 million. The historic switch to the single European currency went smoothly and people and businesses are gradually adapting to a life without the tolar.

Ljubljana, government HQ
Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk (pictured) was optimistic about the euro changeover after the first day, bus said that the ultimate test would be the first business day on Wednesday..
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana, government HQ
Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk (pictured) was optimistic about the euro changeover after the first day, bus said that the ultimate test would be the first business day on Wednesday..
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana, government HQ
Central bank governor Mitja Gaspari (pictured) was optimistic about the euro changeover after the first day.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana, government HQ
Central bank governor Mitja Gaspari (pictured) was optimistic about the euro changeover after the first day.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana, Petrol
The euro changeover was successful even for petrol stations that opened on New Year's Day.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana, Noc in dan
The euro changeover was successful even for stores that opened on New Year's Day.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana, NLB
Over 50 banks opened for a few hours on 1 January to exchange tolars for euros, but there were no long lines.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana, NLB
Over 50 banks opened for a few hours on 1 January to exchange tolars for euros.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana
Thousands of balloons with euro signs were distributed to revelers and released in the air at the stroke of midnight to welcome the euro.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana
Thousands of balloons with euro signs were distributed to revelers and released in the air at the stroke of midnight to welcome the euro.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana
Former central bank governor Mitja Gaspari withdraws cash soon after ATMs are brought online and start dispensing euros.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana
People start paying with euros soon after midnight.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana
People start paying with euros soon after midnight.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana
People start paying with euros soon after midnight.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana, Banka Slovenije
Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk (left), central bank Governor Mitja Gaspari (centre) and his predecessor France Arhar (right) celebrate the adoption of the euro.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana, Banka Slovenije
Mitja Gaspari, the governor of the central bank, Banka Slovenije, changes tolars into euros just minutes after midnight.
Photo: Bogdan Macarol for STA

Ljubljana, Banka Slovenije
Central bank Governor Mitja Gaspari (right), his predecessor France Arhar (centre) and Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk (left) speak to the press just minutes after Slovenia formally adopts the euro.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana
People start paying with euros as Slovenia enters the eurozone.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana
Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk speaking to the press after he withdraws euros from an ATM just minutes after Slovenia formally adopts the single European currency.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana
Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk withdraws euros from an ATM just minutes after Slovenia formally adopts the single European currency.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

Ljubljana
Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk withdraws euros from an ATM just minutes after Slovenia formally adopts the single European currency.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

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