Forint plunges over misquote 

The Budapest press reported that Hungary's currency, the forint, dropped sharply and abruptly shortly after 14:30 local time, settling at over 303 to the euro from the previous figure of 298. The tumble was supposedly triggered by a Bloomberg report that cited Gyurcsány as saying "we are in serious trouble indeed". 

A government spokesman quickly demanded a correction, saying the prime minister was referring to the global economy when he said the above. The cabinet published an audio recording, making it clear that the PM had not said "we" meaning Hungary, but "we" meaning Europe. "Well, there is quite a trouble in the world [...] and quite a trouble in Europe," Gyurcsány said. 

Shortcut to the euro? 

In his talk to the press, Gyurcsány said accession to the euro zone must be accelerated. 

"Without relaxing the conditions for accession for joining the euro zone, the question is, 'Do we have to wait two to 2.5 years in the ante room of the euro? Is it important to keep these countries in the lobby for so long?'," Reuters quoted the PM as saying after talks with Barroso. 

Gyurcsány also noted that it was in the EU's interest to help eager would-be eurozone members to join up. 

Barroso said adapting to euro entry conditions is mainly the responsibility of the aspiring country, adding that all EU member states should be in the euro zone as soon as possible, except for those with opt-outs. 

In previous statements, Gyurcsány said his country could join the single currency between 2012 and 2014, if Hungary proves able to complete its reform of the public sector and to maintain a sustainable budget. Crisis-hit Hungary was the first EU country to benefit from a European facility worth up to €12 billion to address the ongoing financial turmoil. The EU's support for Hungary came in conjunction with a wider €12.5 billion rescue plan agreed with the International Monetary Fund (EurActiv 29/10/08).  

(With press agencies)