ECB unveils shortlisted euro banknote designs, launches public survey

Published Jul 23, 02:15 PM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled ten shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes, based on two themes: 'European culture' and 'Rivers and birds'. A public online survey is open until 21 September 2026 for Europeans to provide feedback. The designs were selected from over 1,200 applications in an EU-wide contest, with an independent jury of 21 experts shortlisting the proposals. A separate survey by an independent research company will also be conducted among a representative sample of euro area citizens. The ECB Governing Council is expected to select the final design around the end of 2026, based on jury conclusions, technical assessment, and survey results. The selected design will undergo further development and testing before production. This is the first complete redesign of euro banknotes since their issuance in 2002. The new notes will incorporate improved security features and aim to reduce environmental footprint.