ECB Survey: Euro Area Firms Report Tighter Lending Conditions in Q2 2026
The ECB's latest Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE) for Q2 2026 shows a strong net tightening of bank loan interest rates and other lending conditions. While financing needs increased slightly, bank loan availability remained broadly unchanged, with SMEs facing a decline. Firms also reported moderating expectations for selling prices, input costs, and wages, while inflation expectations remained stable.
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