Bratislava - The Slovak parliament Friday voted to provide unlimited guarantees for bank deposits of individuals and select small businesses.

The government proposal passed 130-1, while nine lawmakers abstained.

The amendment requires presidential approval and will come to force upon publication in the country's legal code.

Germany and Austria vowed earlier they also planned to provide unlimited savings protection.

Slovakia currently protects 90 per cent of deposits up to 600,000 Slovak koruny (24,560 dollars).

European Union finance ministers agreed on October 7 in Luxembourg to raise deposit guarantees to at least 50,000 euros (62,700 dollars), but many EU members are set to raise the limit to 100,000 euros. (dpa)