ECB unveils next-gen euro banknote designs, social media turns selection into meme fest

Published Jul 24, 02:39 PM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) revealed ten possible designs for the next generation of euro banknotes on Thursday, inviting public input. Social media quickly turned the exercise into a meme showdown, with users creating AI-generated versions featuring Ursula von der Leyen, Christine Lagarde, and satirical elements like tethered bottle caps and 'buy Bitcoin' messages. The official shortlist narrowed the field to two rival themes: culture and birds, sparking immediate pro-bird and pro-culture political camps among Europeans. Critics also questioned the relevance of redesigning banknotes amid household financial concerns. A public consultation will run until September, with the ECB's governing body making the final choice by the end of 2026, and new notes entering circulation several years later.