Ten shortlisted designs revealed for new euro banknotes
The European Central Bank has unveiled ten shortlisted designs for the next series of euro banknotes. A public survey inviting European citizens to share their feedback is open until September 21, 2026.
Culture and nature shape new banknote concepts
The shortlisted design proposals emerged from an EU-wide contest that attracted more than 1,200 applications from graphic designers.
An independent jury of 21 experts nominated by euro area central banks selected the ten finalists based on two core themes: European culture and rivers and birds.
ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized that banknotes are a tangible expression of a shared European identity, combining beauty and meaning.
The public is now invited to evaluate these proposals through an online survey running until September 21, 2026.
A parallel survey conducted by an independent research company will gather representative feedback from euro area citizens to ensure broad civic participation.
Redesign targets counterfeiting and footprint
The Governing Council expects to select the final design around the end of the year, incorporating jury conclusions, technical assessments, and survey results.
This represents the first complete redesign since the euro's launch in 2002.
Executive Board member Piero Cipollone noted that the initiative ensures cash remains a secure, efficient means of payment.
The new series will feature advanced security features and improved accessibility for visually impaired users, while utilizing sustainable materials to lower the environmental footprint.