Latvia can join euro from January 2014 - European Commission

Tourists rest at an open-air cafe in downtown Riga May 20, 2013. The European Commission will give Latvia on Wednesday the go-ahead to become the 18th member of the euro zone from the start of next year, European Union officials said on Monday. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Latvia is ready to become the 18th country using the euro from the start of next year, the European Commission announced on Wednesday, a decision that will be formally approved by European Union finance ministers on July 9.

"The Commission considers that Latvia fulfils the conditions for the adoption of the euro," the Commission, the EU's executive, said in a report on the country's preparations.