Euro banknote redesign survey draws 9.96 million participants
A total of 9.96 million people participated in the European Central Bank's public survey on the future design of euro banknotes between July 23 and September 21, 2026. The Governing Council will decide on the final design concept at the end of 2026.
Youth drive cash design engagement
A total of 9.96 million people across Europe took part in the ECB's public consultation on future euro banknote designs, representing 2.6 percent of the euro area population.
Participation showed strong engagement among younger demographics, with two-thirds of all responses submitted by individuals under 35 years of age.
“This amazing number shows how much interest Europeans have in their future banknotes,” President Christine Lagarde said.
The survey evaluated ten shortlisted design options centered on two selected themes: European culture, and rivers and birds.
A parallel representative survey run by an independent research firm used identical questions to complement the public feedback.
Gradual rollout from the 2030s
The survey findings, alongside recommendations from the independent Design Contest Jury and technical feasibility assessments, will guide the ECB Governing Council when selecting the final design concept around the end of 2026.
Detailed results for individual design options will be released after that decision.
Redesigned banknotes featuring enhanced security, sustainability, and accessibility are scheduled to enter circulation gradually from the early 2030s.
Existing euro notes will remain valid.
Public buy-in before the digital euro
Strong participation confirms that physical cash maintains vital cultural relevance despite expanding digital payments.
Mobilizing younger demographics builds crucial institutional goodwill ahead of digital euro deployment.
Nevertheless, visual redesigns avoid tackling urgent challenges regarding commercial cash acceptance obligations.