EIB: Banks in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe expect demand for credit to rise

The European Investment Bank (EIB) published the Bank Lending Survey with a focus on Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe (CESEE). The survey examines data collected in September 2022 and outlines the expected trajectory for the next six months vis-à-vis credit demand, supply conditions and credit quality.

Increased corporate demand for liquidity and household demand for housing loans have seen loan applications increase in the CESEE region. Banks expect overall credit demand to rise further over the next six months, albeit at a more moderate pace, with firms’ working capital requirements to cover liquidity needs now the main driver. Fixed investments and retail segments, including for consumer credit and housing, are expected to decline.

Banks expect conditions for credit supply — the financing banks are willing to provide to their clients — to deteriorate significantly over the next six months. Credit standards have tightened, particularly in the mortgage market, especially due to the effects of the war in Ukraine, higher inflation and interest rates, and the general slowdown of economies. Hence, robust credit demand will be confronted with tighter supply conditions.

Despite predictions, credit quality has evolved favourably over the last six months. However, given the unfavourable economic outlook, banks are again expecting an increase in non-performing loans over the next six months.

Debora Revoltella, Chief Economist at the EIB, said: “Despite unfavourable economic expectations, banks in the Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe again report solid access to funding thanks to sustained improvements in retail and corporate deposit funding. Going forward, in the context of deteriorating global conditions, banks anticipate tightened supply conditions and are preparing for a potential increase in non-performing loans.”

EIB Vice-President Lilyana Pavlova said: “The role of monitoring banks through a survey like this is crucial to understand how the economy will evolve and accurately assess the financial conditions across Europe. Thanks to the efforts of the EIB’s economists, we have an overview of CESEE’s economic environment, which will enable us to provide the necessary financing to respond appropriately to the needs of people and businesses in the region.”