European Central Bank surveys public on new euro banknote designs

The European Central Bank (ECB) is conducting a public survey, ending this Monday, to determine the visual design of new euro banknotes. The proposed changes mark a significant departure from the current design, which features fictional architectural styles intended to avoid national favoritism.

Two primary thematic directions have been proposed. The first, ‘European Culture,’ features historical figures: Maria Callas (5 euro), Ludwig van Beethoven (10 euro), Marie Curie (20 euro), Miguel de Cervantes (50 euro), Leonardo da Vinci (100 euro), and Bertha von Suttner (200 euro). This option has sparked debate regarding the selection criteria and the exclusion of other prominent figures like Mozart or Galileo.

The second theme, ‘Rivers and Birds,’ focuses on natural heritage. Proposed bird species include the Wallcreeper (5 euro), Kingfisher (10 euro), European Bee-eater (20 euro), White Stork (50 euro), Avocet (100 euro), and Northern Gannet (200 euro). The reverse side of these notes would feature European Union institutions. The final design is expected to be selected by the end of the year, with new banknotes projected to enter circulation by 2029.