As of the end of 2016, the outstanding volume of NPLs in the EU was EUR 1 trillion. The Council considers a solution for NPLs paramount to boost bank profitability, remove a lock-up of capital and reduce the risks for the viability of banks with high NPL ratios. While the Council considers it the responsibility of each bank to manage its NPL portfolio, certain actions need to be taken to provide banks with a functioning framework to resolve their NPL issues. read more...