The European Central Bank (ECB) presented ten final proposals for the new look of euro banknotes and opened a public consultation where citizens can give their opinion on the future design.
The survey is open until September 21, and the final decision is expected at the end of the year.
The proposals are divided into two themes: “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”. The ECB states that the proposals are the result of a competition at the level of the European Union, which received more than 1,200 works by graphic designers. An independent jury selected ten proposals that entered the final round.
Banknotes could feature Beethoven, Marie Curie and Leonardo da Vinci
If the theme is “European Culture”, the new banknotes will feature some of the most famous names in European art, music, science and literature.
The five-euro bill would feature Maria Callas, the Greek-American opera singer. The ten-euro banknote would be dedicated to the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, while the 20-euro banknote would feature the scientist Marie Curie.
Miguel de Cervantes, the author of the novel “Don Quixote”, would appear on the 50 euro banknote. Leonardo da Vinci would be on the 100 euro banknote, and Bertha von Suttner, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, on the 200 euro banknote.
Another option is rivers, birds and European institutions
The second theme is called “Rivers and Birds” and is dedicated to European nature, biodiversity and the connection of natural areas.
Each banknote would feature a different species of European bird alongside a river landscape, while the reverse would depict the most important institutions of the European Union.
Among the proposals are the creeper next to the European Parliament building, the kingfisher next to the European Commission, the beekeeper next to the European Central Bank, the white stork next to the Court of the European Union, the ladybird next to the European Council and the Council of the European Union, and the northern bluebird next to the European Court of Auditors.
Lagarde: Banknotes are a symbol of Europe
ECB President Christine Lagarde said that banknotes represent much more than a means of payment.
“Euro banknotes are more than a means of payment. They are one of the most recognizable symbols of Europe. A design that combines beauty and meaning will further strengthen our shared identity,” said Lagarde.
Ten selected design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes have been unveiled.
Explore the proposals and tell us which ones you prefer.
Have your say https://t.co/VvcczFFxX3 pic.twitter.com/mZGWAdaz62
— European Central Bank (@ecb) July 23, 2026
In addition to the public survey, the ECB will conduct a special survey among the citizens of the eurozone countries. The results will be one of the factors on which the Governing Council of the ECB will make its final decision.
The new banknotes will not be in circulation immediately
After the selection of the winning design, further development, testing and production preparation follow. The ECB states that the new banknotes will be put into circulation in the coming years, while the existing ones will still remain valid and be used together with the new ones.
It will be the first complete redesign of euro banknotes since their introduction in 2002.
The ECB points out that the aim of the new series is to improve protection against counterfeiting, take advantage of technological advances, improve accessibility for visually impaired people and reduce the environmental footprint of banknote production.
