Shortlisted designs for new euro banknotes revealed, have your say

The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled the shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes, launching a public survey inviting people across Europe to provide their feedback.

The ten design proposals are based on two themes, five on each theme. One theme is 'European Culture', the other is 'Rivers and Birds'.

This will be the first complete redesign of euro banknotes since 2002.

ECB President Christine Lagarde unveiled the shortlisted proposals on Thursday. “Each one offers something different,” she said. “One of them will ultimately be selected”.

She explained that throughout the process, the ECB wanted to ensure that European voices were heard. The two themes that were selected emerged from a public consultation that was held back in 2023, she said.

The shortlisted proposals are the outcome of a European Union-wide design contest. More than 1,200 applications had been received from graphic designers, 25 of whom were invited to create design proposals for one or both themes.

An independent jury composed of 21 experts in different fields, such as graphic design, communication, neuroscience and history, each nominated by a euro area central bank, then shortlisted ten design proposals.

“Euro banknotes are more than a means of payment – they are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe,” ECB President Lagarde said. “Through designs that combine beauty and meaning, they will reinforce our shared identity.”

Those designs falling under the 'European Culture' theme would feature the face of a cultural figure from European history, such as Ludwig van Beethoven, on one side, and on the other a shared cultural place or activity, such as a choir performing or a library.

For the 'Rivers and Birds' theme, one would find a bird and river scene on one side, such a Kingfisher near a waterfall for instance, and on the other European Union institutions.

People in Europe are now invited to have their say. The public survey will remain open until 21st September 2026, she said. A separate survey with the same questions will be conducted in parallel by an independent research company among a representative sample of euro area citizens.

The European Central Bank will then proceed to publish a report on both surveys, once a final design concept is selected.

The European Central Bank’s Governing Council is expected to take the final decision on the new banknote design around the end of the year.

The decision will be based on a combination of input, including the results of the two surveys, the conclusions of the design contest jury, and a technical assessment.

Once a design is selected, it will undergo further testing and development prior to being produced.

“Banknotes from the new series are expected to enter circulation in subsequent years. Euro banknotes from the previous series will retain their value and continue to circulate alongside the new series,” the European Central Bank said in a statement.

“The redesign of the euro banknotes is part of a long-term effort by the Eurosystem to ensure that cash remains a secure, efficient and relatable means of payment, preserving citizens’ access to public money and their freedom to choose how to pay,” said ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone.

Periodically issuing new series of banknotes makes allows the European Central Bank to take advantage of technological advances to stay ahead of counterfeiting.

The ECB said that the new banknotes will incorporate new and improved security features to improve ease of authentication and accessibility, also for visually impaired people.