While 30% of firms do not need credit in eastern Europe, their need for credit is higher than in western Europe, research published by the Swiss National Bank in July finds.

The research also shows that the firm-level determinants of credit needs in eastern Europe are quite similar to that in western Europe: firms with alternative financing sources, i.e. government-owned, foreign-owned and internally financed firms, are less likely to need credit. Small firms are also less likely to demand