Cyprus emerged as the leading EU member state in cutting down Stage 2 loans by the end of 2024, according to the European Banking Authority’s (EBA) Spring 2025 Risk Assessment Report (RAR).
The EBA’s latest report, accompanied by the Risk Assessment Questionnaire (RAQ), takes a close look at financial stability indicators across the EU and EEA banking sectors. One of the standout highlights was Cyprus, which reported a dramatic 34.5% year-over-year drop in Stage 2 loans by December 2024. This category of loans now represents just 5.8% of the country’s total loan portfolio.
Stage 2 loans typically refer to borrowers whose credit risk has increased significantly, but who have not yet defaulted. These loans undergo close monitoring by financial institutions and are considered an early warning sign for potential future defaults.
Cyprus wasn’t alone in improving loan quality. Belgium also reported a strong decline of 32.2%, bringing its Stage 2 loans down to 7.4% of the total. Sweden followed with a 22.1% drop, lowering its ratio to 4.8%. Italy and Greece also made noteworthy progress with reductions of 20.2% and 12.5%, respectively.
Conversely, other nations saw increases. Denmark saw Stage 2 loans rise by 44% (now at 15.9%), while the Netherlands and Slovenia recorded hikes of 28.2% and 25.8%, respectively.
The EU-wide average for Stage 2 loans stood at 4.4%.
Cyprus’s performance not only signals enhanced banking resilience but also boosts confidence in its financial and real estate sectors. Lower levels of at-risk loans often suggest a healthier lending environment—an encouraging sign for potential investors, developers, and homeowners alike.
Source: www.stockwatch.com.cy