Twenty-five eurozone banks out of a total 130 failed a crunch new financial health check by the European Central Bank, data showed on Sunday.

The banks showed a combined capital shortfall of 25 billion euros (about $31 billion), according to the ECB audit or Asset Quality Review, which also showed that the book value of banks' assets needed to be adjusted by 48 billion euros.

"This unprecedented in-depth review of the largest banks' positions will boost public confidence in the banking sector," said ECB vice president Vitor Constancio, adding that "this should facilitate more lending in Europe, which will help economic growth".