The National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) is prepared to intervene against unfounded firming of the Slovak currency. But from the short-term viewpoint it does not see much space for such a development. „We should not overestimate the country’s foreign trade results from last year. It is favorable that the deficit is lower than one year ago. However, on the other hand the deficit is still quite large and it is necessary to reduce it further,“ said NBS governor Marian Jusko on Wednesday.

Mr. Jusko sees fulfillment of goals in cabinet’s four-year program, state budget targets regarding the deficit from the longer viewpoint and achievement of EU membership from the shorter viewpoint as basic preconditions for the stronger crown. „From the short-term view, there is no reason for much optimism; there is not much room for the firming Slovak currency either,“ added Mr. Jusko.