The ECB has a track record of following up words with deeds, and we intend to maintain it.” *  *  *  1  Ladies and Gentlemen , The last ‘’ECB and its Watchers’’ conference took place in June 2012.
Under these circumstances, major banks have gradually become more active than before in extending loans, while carefully evaluating the credit risks involved. However, credit demand for economic activities such as business fixed investment remains weak. In addition, some firms have been trying to reduce debts using their on hand liquidity.