New-Look Euro banknotes expected in coming years as ECB opens public vote

FRANKFURT--New-look euro banknotes are expected to enter circulation in the years following 2026, after the European Central Bank selects the final design for the next series around the end of this year.

The ECB clarified that the winning design will first undergo further development, technical testing and production, a process that will take several years. Current euro banknotes will retain their value and continue circulating alongside the new series. The final design, rather than the new notes themselves, is expected to be selected around the end of 2026.

The central bank unveiled 10 shortlisted design proposals on Thursday, July 23, and opened an online survey allowing people across Europe to help determine the future appearance of the currency. The survey will remain open until September 21, 2026.

The proposed designs are based on two themes: “European culture” and “Rivers and birds.” Five design options have been developed under each theme, offering different visual approaches ranging from modern presentations to more traditional depictions.

Under the European culture theme, the banknotes would feature six prominent figures from European art, music, science, literature and peace advocacy.

The proposed €5 note would feature Greek-American opera singer Maria Callas, while German composer Ludwig van Beethoven would appear on the €10 note. Scientist and Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie would be featured on the €20 note.

Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes would appear on the €50 note, Leonardo da Vinci would be placed on the €100 note and Nobel Peace Prize winner Bertha von Suttner would feature on the €200 denomination.

The alternative series would focus on rivers and bird species found across Europe, representing freedom, unity, biodiversity and the connection between European countries and the natural environment.

Each denomination would pair a bird and river landscape with one of the European Union’s main institutions.

The proposed series includes the wallcreeper paired with the European Parliament, the kingfisher with the European Commission and the European bee-eater with the European Central Bank.

The white stork would be paired with the Court of Justice of the European Union, the avocet with the European Council and Council of the European Union, and the northern gannet with the European Court of Auditors.

More than 1,200 designers applied to participate in the European Union-wide competition. From those applicants, 25 designers were invited to prepare proposals for one or both themes.

An independent jury consisting of 21 experts in areas including graphic design, communication, neuroscience and history subsequently selected the 10 finalists. Each expert was nominated by a central bank from a euro-area country.

In addition to the open public survey, an independent research company will conduct a separate survey using the same questions among a representative sample of euro-area citizens.

The ECB Governing Council will consider the public responses, the jury’s conclusions and a technical assessment before choosing the final design. A report on the results of both surveys is expected after the selection has been completed.

The redesign will be the first complete change to euro banknotes since the currency’s physical notes and coins were introduced in 2002.

The ECB said the new series will include improved security features intended to remain ahead of advances in counterfeiting. The banknotes will also be developed to make them easier to recognize and authenticate, including by people with visual impairments.

Durability, sustainable materials and production methods will also be considered as the ECB seeks to reduce the environmental impact of producing and circulating the currency.

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