The European Central Bank's (ECB) Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE) report indicates that Euro area businesses generally faced tighter lending conditions in Q3 2026. The report notes that a net 46% of enterprises reported a further increase in bank loan interest rates, alongside rising costs for other financing and collateral requirements. Additionally, the availability of bank loans decreased by a net 5%, leading to a widening financing gap. Businesses anticipate a continued decline in the availability of external financing over the next three months, with the overall economic outlook being the primary limiting factor.