In the last ECB survey on SMEs access to finance obstacles were reported to be very high in Greece, Ireland and Spain (with more than 40% of firms encountering obstacles), more moderate in Belgium, France and Finland (less than 20%), and lowest in Germany and Austria (around 10%).
This is an important and priority occasion in the annual calendar of events for the Bank. We are therefore most grateful to all of you, Distinguished Guests, for gracing the occasion with your presence this morning.