Slovakia - Factors To Watch on June 14

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EU-NORM INFLATION

The Statistics Office will publish EU-norm inflation data for May, 0700 GMT. Analysts forecast inflation of 0.2 percent on the month, and of 1.7 percent, year-on-year.

C.BANK COMMENTS

The central bank is expected to publish its commentary on May inflation statistics.

EURO CONFERENCE

Central Bank Governor Ivan Sramko will speak at an economic conference on Slovakia's euro adoption process, 0800 GMT.

CROWN ERASES EARLY LOSSES VS EURO, SEEN EDGY

The Slovak crown edged up against the euro late on Wednesday, erasing early losses in line with the Polish zloty and Hungary's forint, but dealers said the unit would remain vulnerable in the short run.

[ID:nL13802179] [RTRS-FRX-CEN-SK]

EU TO TAKE STATES TO COURT FOR FOREIGN LABOUR CURBS

Some European Union countries could face legal action this year for making it difficult for foreign workers to take up jobs, the EU's executive said on Wednesday.

[ID:nL13221544] [RTRS-EU-JOB-POL-SK]

PRESS DIGEST

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SLOTA ANGERS COALTION PERTNERS

Jan Slota, the leader of a junior government party, the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS), was criticised by his ruling coalition partners for his insulting comments against gays.

Sme, page 1

EU CONSTITUTION

The Slovak government backs the current version of the EU constitutional treaty, which was already ratified by the parliament, but says it is ready for talks on possible changes.

Pravda, page 1

MARIHUANA CONSUMPTION UP

Consumption of marihuana has risen in Slovakia as one in six Slovaks in the age of 15 to 64 years has consumed it at least once, a report prepared for the government says.

Sme, page 1

CROWN CURRENCY

Slovak exporters are using the recent weakening of the crown beyond the level of 34 per euro to hedge their income as most corporations and banks expect the unit to gradually firm until adoption of euro in 2009.

Pravda, page 22

FUEL PRICES

Economy Minister Lubomir Jahnatek has admitted that Slovak fuel prices adjusted for excise taxes were among the lowest in the European Union. The government has pressured refiner Slovnaft not to raise petrol prices earlier in the year.

Sme, page 6

DEVELOPER MERGER

Slovakia's biggest real estate developer, HB Reavis Group, has acquired 50 percent in Slovak developer Ipec to strengthen its central and eastern Europe activities.

Hospodarske Noviny, page 13

For news on upcoming events in the United States and other Group of Seven countries, see . For a diary of forthcoming Slovak events, double click [SK/DIARY], and a calendar of east European economic indicators, see [CONV/DIARY].

News editor of the day: Peter Laca, on +421 2 5341 8402; fax: +421 2 5341 8403

E-mail: editorial@reuters.sk

Reuters Messaging: peter.laca.reuters.com@reuters.net

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