The European Central Bank (ECB) has revealed ten shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes and launched an online survey allowing citizens across Europe to share their opinions on the final selection until 21st September 2026.
The shortlisted concepts are inspired by two main themes: European culture, and rivers and birds. The initiative marks a major redesign process twenty-five years after euro banknotes were first introduced to the public.
The five proposals centred on European culture feature celebrated historic and cultural figures on the front of the notes. These include soprano Maria Callas on the 5 euro note, composer Ludwig van Beethoven on the 10 euro note, scientist Marie Curie on the 20 euro note, writer Miguel de Cervantes on the 50 euro note, polymath Leonardo da Vinci on the 100 euro note, and pacifist writer Bertha von Suttner on the 200 euro note. The reverse sides of these notes portray cultural and leisure activities from across European countries to reflect shared values such as inclusion and dialogue.
The alternative set of five proposals, focused on rivers and birds, displays various European avian and river species on the front, while the reverse side highlights key European institutions, including the ECB headquarters, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Court of Auditors, and the Council of the European Union.
More than 1,200 graphic designers entered the contest across the European Union, with 25 selected to submit final proposals. An independent jury of 21 experts shortlisted the ten finalists. Alongside the public online survey, an independent opinion research firm is conducting a parallel study with a representative sample of euro zone residents.
The ECB Governing Council expects to choose the winning design concept by the end of the year. However, the central bank noted that it will still take several years following the final decision before full-scale production begins and the new notes enter general circulation.
You can have your vote on what you think of the new notes by clicking here
