The figure compares to a cumulative net loss of EUR 114m in 2014 and the record EUR 3.6bn loss in bailout year 2013.

The return to profit is the result of a 63% year-on-year decline in net writeoffs and provisions, which totalled EUR 238m.

The figures however show that banks continue to struggle despite the massive state injection of cash in 2013.

Interest revenue dropped by a fifth over the year before, to just over EUR 1bn. Non-interest revenue contracted by 6.4% to EUR 373m.

Balance sheet data shows the sector contracting as a whole amidst a wave of consolidation.

Total assets declined by 3.4% year-on-year.