ECB launches public vote on new euro banknote designs

The European Central Bank (ECB) has shortlisted ten designs for the next series of euro banknotes and opened an online consultation for euro‑area residents. The public can vote for their preferred designs until 21 September; the results will be taken into account by the ECB Governing Council when it selects the final graphic later in the year.

The ten finalists, chosen from more than 1,200 submissions by designers across the eurozone, are grouped under two themes – “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”. Proposed imagery includes figures such as Marie Curie and Ludwig van Beethoven, as well as stylised birds and river landscapes. While the vote is not binding, the ECB says it will combine public feedback with technical assessments and the jury’s evaluation before deciding on the new banknote look.

Social media users have also posted humorous alternative designs, ranging from memes to cartoons, but these are not part of the official selection process.