Also the evidence from the SME survey reveals some cautious optimism regarding the availability of finance in the second half of 2009, at least in a majority of euro area countries.
More than one year after the financial crisis intensified dramatically in September 2008, we can see increasing signs of economic stabilisation in the euro area and there are reasons to believe that a gradual recovery lies ahead. This will mean new opportunities for all of us and for all of you to seize.