While much of Europe has struggled over the past few years, the Polish economy has remained resilient, maintaining a sound banking system and hitting its inflation targets. This is why the president of the National Bank of Poland, Marek Belka, is remaining cautious on the topic of eurozone membership, and has no intention of opting into the European banking union.

The European – and indeed global – economy is facing a crucial six months. Central to this is the European Central Bank's Comprehensive Assessment, which will go a long way to boosting confidence within the EU.

The governor of Romania's central bank explains why being part of the European banking union makes sense for the country, even if it is not yet ready to join up to the single currency regime.

The previously bleak economic picture in Romania is improving, and with it the performance of the country's banks. But high non-performing loan ratios, underdeveloped financial markets and a slump in the credit market are making it difficult for the country's lenders to pick up much momentum.

Petar Chobanov spent little more than a year as Bulgaria's finance minister before the government resigned and he had to step down from his post. He describes the reforms that he started during his tenure and explains why it is important for the new government to continue this work.

This year's EU banks ranking shows how selective the region's economic recovery has been, with Greek and Spanish lenders edging into the black, while Italian, Irish, Portuguese, Slovenian and Cypriot institutions are continuing to struggle.

Bulgaria’s recent banking crisis and the resignation of its government have left its financial sector in a state of limbo awaiting elections in October.