European Payment Report 2022

The European Payment Report (EPR) describes the impact late payments have on the development and growth of European businesses. The insights are based on a survey from 11,007 small, medium and large companies across 29 European countries covering 15 industry sectors. The full report was published on 21 June.

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Stagflation fears create unease, but the spirit of growth lives on

While inflation limits growth for 51% of businesses and 58% struggle with supplier payments, 55% still prioritize growth. Despite economic concerns, companies remain cautiously optimistic about their future, balancing the challenges of rising costs with a commitment to expansion.

Businesses expect cash flow issues but lack the agility to manage them

With 60% expecting more late payments and 41% seeing this as a threat to growth, businesses face significant cash flow challenges. However, 53% admit they lack the expertise to handle these issues, leaving them vulnerable in an inflationary environment.

Prompt payments are key to ESG goals

Two-thirds of businesses (67%) say timely payments are critical to supplier trust, and 60% believe payment times should be part of ESG reporting. Yet, 33% still pay suppliers late, highlighting the need for improvement in responsible payment practices.

“We have to transfer price increases to our customers. This creates a risk of us losing important orders. Already this year, we have seen numerous price renegotiations get underway that could negatively affect our sales.”

Gianluca Riselli, CFO, Würth, Italy

Other editions:

European Payment Report 2024

The 2024 report is based on insights from 9,255 executives across 25 European countries. This years' findings shows corporate cost-cutting at a four-year high despite growing economic optimism. Businesses are losing more than a quarter of the working year (73 working days) chasing late payments.

Country Snapshots White Paper 2023

The Country Snapshots White Paper provides detailed country-specific insights on payment behaviors across Europe. Discover how inflation, payment gaps, and sustainability challenges vary between regions, offering an in-depth supplement to the main European Payment Report.

European Payment Report 2023

The report is based on a survey that was conducted simultaneously in 29 European countries between the end of November 2022 and March 2023. A total of 10,556 companies across 15 industries in Europe participated in the research.

European Payment Report 2022

Discover key findings from the European Payment Report 2022, covering the impact of inflation, cash flow management, and the importance of ESG in business payment practices. Learn how European companies are navigating economic uncertainty.

European Payment Report 2021

Discover the key findings from the European Payment Report 2021, including the impact of late payments on business growth, cash flow management, and how faster payments drive innovation and sustainability.

European Payment Report 2020

Discover key insights from the European Payment Report 2020, including the rising risk of late payments, widening payment gaps, and business strategies to cut costs and prepare for recession in an uncertain economic landscape.

White Paper 202: Covid-19 Special Edition

This White Paper, released in May 2020, comes as an additional publication to the European Payment Report 2020. The insights are based on data from 9,980 companies across 29 European countries and delves into how the Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the European payments landscape.