European Central Bank consults public on new euro banknote designs

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a public consultation to decide the future design of euro banknotes. Citizens have until September 21 to vote on ten proposed themes, which are divided equally between cultural motifs and natural elements involving flora and fauna.

If the cultural theme is selected, the new notes could feature prominent historical figures. Potential candidates include Maria Skłodowska-Curie for the 20 euro note, Maria Callas for the 5 euro note, Ludwig van Beethoven for the 10 euro note, Miguel de Cervantes for the 50 euro note, Leonardo da Vinci for the 100 euro note, and Bertha von Suttner for the 200 euro note. If the natural theme wins, the notes would instead feature various birds and animals.

The ECB will make a final decision by the end of the year. The current banknote designs, which feature architectural motifs like bridges to symbolize European connectivity, remain in circulation. In the Dutch city of Spijkenisse, local bridges were even built to replicate the imaginary architectural styles found on the existing euro notes.