European Central Bank unveils new Euro banknote design finalists

The European Central Bank (ECB) has released ten finalist design proposals for new Euro banknotes and opened a public consultation period. Citizens are invited to vote on the designs until September 21, 2026. The ECB Governing Council is expected to select the final design by the end of 2026, though new notes are not anticipated to enter circulation until the early 2030s.

Two primary themes are being considered for the redesign. The first theme focuses on ‘European Culture,’ featuring prominent historical figures and cultural sites. Proposed designs include Maria Callas on the €5 note, Ludwig van Beethoven on the €10, Marie Curie on the €20, Miguel de Cervantes on the €50, Leonardo da Vinci on the €100, and Bertha von Suttner on the €200.

The second theme, ‘Rivers and Birds,’ follows the journey of water from mountain sources to the sea, accompanied by various bird species. This concept includes motifs such as a mountain spring and a wallcreeper for the €5 note, a waterfall and kingfisher for the €10, a river valley and European bee-eater for the €20, a winding river and white stork for the €50, an estuary and avocet for the €100, and a marine landscape with a northern fulmar for the €200. The reverse side of these notes would feature major European institutions.