Key facts
- The European Central Bank is considering redesigning euro banknotes for the first time since 2002.
- Two main themes are being considered: European cultural figures and European wildlife.
- Cultural figures proposed include Marie Curie, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Maria Callas.
- Wildlife options include migrating birds like the white stork and bee-eater.
- Over 6 million people have participated in a public survey on the design preferences.
- The new notes are scheduled to enter circulation around 2030 or 2031.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is undertaking a significant redesign of its euro banknotes, moving away from the previous neutral motifs of bridges, doorways, and windows. For the first time since the single currency's paper money entered circulation in 2002, the ECB is seeking public input on whether the new notes should feature prominent European cultural figures or symbols of wildlife and natural landscapes. This initiative aims to foster a stronger sense of European identity and connection to the single currency, while also incorporating enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting.
Ten shortlisted design proposals have been unveiled, split equally between the cultural and wildlife themes. The cultural theme includes figures such as the Polish-French scientist Marie Curie, German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, American-Greek soprano Maria Callas, Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci, and Austrian pacifist Bertha von Suttner. These figures are intended to represent diverse aspects of European intellectual and artistic life, with public scenes on the reverse. The wildlife theme focuses on birds known for their freedom of movement across the continent, including the wallcreeper, kingfisher, bee-eater, white stork, avocet, and northern gannet, depicted against typical European landscapes.
More than 6 million people have already participated in a survey launched by the ECB, indicating significant public engagement with the decision. The feedback from this survey, along with a quantitative survey and the verdict of a jury of designers, will influence the final choice, expected by the end of 2026. The new notes, which will continue to be printed on paper, are not slated for circulation until 2030 or 2031. This approach contrasts with the UK's recent decision to feature wildlife on its redesigned notes, which drew some criticism for being 'apolitical' in a polarized climate. The ECB's move towards more identifiable motifs signifies a deliberate shift from neutrality to enhance the graphical meaning and identification with the euro.