The European Central Bank has revealed the ten design proposals for the new series of banknotes, based on the themes 'European Culture' and 'Rivers and Birds'. Citizens can vote until September 21.
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced this Thursday the ten finalist design proposals for the next generation of euro banknotes, a process that will culminate in the selection of a final design by the end of the year. From today until September 21, any citizen from the eurozone can participate in an online survey to express their preference.
The designs revolve around two main themes: 'European Culture' and 'Rivers and Birds'. Each proposal, created by graphic designers from across the European Union, aims to reflect the shared values and identity of the continent.
Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, highlighted that the banknotes “are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe” and that the new designs “will strengthen our common identity.” The institution aims to ensure that cash remains a relevant and accessible means of payment for citizens.
The design competition started with over 1,200 applications from across the EU. From these, 25 designers were selected to create proposals for one or both themes. An independent jury of 21 experts in graphic design, communication, neuroscience, and history, appointed by national central banks, has narrowed the list down to the ten final options.
Citizen participation and final decision
The public survey, available on the ECB's website, is the next step. At the same time, an independent research company will conduct a representative survey among citizens of the eurozone. The ECB will publish a report with the results once the final design has been selected.
The ECB Governing Council will make the final decision by the end of 2026, based on the jury's conclusions, a technical evaluation, and the results of both surveys. The chosen design will then go through a development and testing phase before entering production.
The new banknotes are expected to start circulating in the following years. The banknotes from the previous series will retain their value and continue to circulate simultaneously. This will be the first complete renewal of euro banknotes since their introduction in 2002.
Security, sustainability, and accessibility
Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB Executive Committee, emphasized that the renewal is part of a long-term effort to ensure that cash remains “a secure, efficient, and accessible means of payment.” The new banknotes will incorporate improvements in security measures to stay ahead of counterfeiting and will be designed to facilitate authentication, including for visually impaired individuals.
Additionally, the ECB aims to reduce the environmental footprint of banknotes by increasing their durability and using more sustainable materials and production processes. The goal is for physical euro to remain a reliable and accessible payment option for all Europeans.
You may also like
