ECB unveils final designs for new euro banknotes

The European Central Bank (ECB) has presented ten finalist designs for the next series of euro banknotes, marking the first comprehensive redesign since the currency’s launch in 2002. The designs fall into two themes – “European culture”, which would feature figures such as soprano Maria Callas on the €5 note, composer Ludwig van Beethoven on the €10, physicist Marie Curie on the €20, writer Miguel de Cervantes on the €50, Leonardo da Vinci on the €100 and peace activist Bertha von Suttner on the €200; and “Rivers and birds”, which showcases natural motifs and EU institutions on the reverse.

A public online consultation is open until 21 September 2026, allowing citizens across the euro area to vote on their preferred theme. The ECB received more than 1,200 design submissions, narrowed by a jury of 21 experts to the ten finalists. The Governing Council will decide the winning design by the end of 2026, with the new notes expected to enter circulation a few years later. The redesign aims to improve security against counterfeiting, enhance durability, reduce environmental impact and add features for the visually impaired. The €500 note, whose production was halted in 2019, is not part of the new series.