ECB reveals shortlisted designs for new euro banknotes, launches public poll
The European Central Bank (ECB) unveiled on July 23 the shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes and launched a public survey inviting people across Europe to provide their feedback.
These design proposals are based on two different themes – “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” – and on the associated motifs chosen to illustrate them.
“Euro banknotes are more than a means of payment – they are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe,” ECB president Christine Lagarde said. “Through designs that combine beauty and meaning, they will reinforce our shared identity.”
The shortlisted proposals are the outcome of a European Union-wide design contest.
More than 1200 applications were 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 10 design proposals.
Now, everyone in Europe is invited to have their say, following the decision of the ECB’s Governing Council to run an online survey on these 10 design proposals.
The public survey will remain open until September 21 2026. 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 ECB will publish a report on the results of both surveys once the final design concept has been selected. The public’s feedback is a key element of the Eurosystem’s inclusive approach, ensuring that the views of citizens all over Europe are considered, the ECB said.
The Governing Council is expected to take the final decision on the new banknote design around the end of the year. It will base its decision on a combination of inputs, including the conclusions of the Design Contest Jury, a technical assessment and the results of the two surveys.
The selected design will then undergo further development and testing before going into production. 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. This will be the first complete redesign of the euro banknotes since their issuance in 2002.
“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,” ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone said.
Periodically issuing new series of banknotes makes it possible to take advantage of advances in technology to stay ahead of counterfeiting. The new banknotes will incorporate new and improved security features to improve ease of authentication and accessibility, also for visually impaired people, the ECB said.
The ECB is also aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of the banknotes by enhancing their durability and using more sustainable materials and production processes.
Some samples of the design proposals (these are not issued euro banknotes and are not final or approved designs). Copyright: European Central Bank 2026.
