Euro banknotes may soon feature far more than anonymous bridges and windows. The European Central Bank has unveiled ten finalist designs for a new series and, for the first time, is inviting the public to help decide the winner. Until 21 September, anyone in Europe can cast a vote. The choice is yours: would you rather carry Ludwig van Beethoven and Marie Curie in your wallet, or a white stork and a kingfisher?
The European Central Bank (ECB) has revealed the ten final designs for the next generation of euro banknotes and opened a public vote, giving people across the European Union a chance to have their say. The online poll is open until 21 September.
It marks the first full redesign of euro banknotes since they entered circulation in 2002. ECB President Christine Lagarde said the new notes are more than a means of payment. “They are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe. Through designs that combine beauty and meaning, they will reinforce our shared identity,” she said.
Great Europeans or Europe’s wildlife?
Two themed series have made it to the final round.
The first, European culture, celebrates some of the continent’s most influential historical figures. The €5, €10, €20, €50, €100 and €200 notes feature opera legend Maria Callas, composer Ludwig van Beethoven, scientist Marie Curie Skłodowska, writer Miguel de Cervantes, artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, and peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bertha von Suttner.
The second theme, Rivers and birds, turns the spotlight on Europe’s natural heritage. The proposed banknotes depict the wallcreeper, common kingfisher, European bee-eater, white stork, pied avocet and northern gannet, alongside river landscapes from across the continent.
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The public will help decide
More than 1,200 graphic designers entered the Europe-wide competition. The ECB then shortlisted 25 of them to develop proposals for one or both themes. An independent panel of 21 experts selected the ten finalists, and now the public has the final say.
The vote is more than a public relations exercise. The ECB’s Governing Council will consider the public’s preferences alongside the jury’s recommendation and a technical assessment before choosing the final design. The decision is expected before the end of this year.
At the same time, the ECB is also moving ahead with plans for the digital euro.
The new banknotes will not reach people’s wallets overnight. The ECB still needs to develop security features, carry out testing and prepare production. Existing euro banknotes will remain legal tender and continue circulating alongside the new series.
