ECB Unveils 10 Final Design Proposals for New Euro Banknotes

For over two decades, the euro has been defined by the abstract imagery of bridges and windows—a choice made to avoid national rivalries by opting for themes that did not represent any single member state. Now, as the currency approaches its next generation, the European Central Bank (ECB) is shifting toward a more personal and symbolic approach. The proposed designs, revealed by ECB President Christine Lagarde on July 23, 2026, aim to foster a stronger sense of shared identity across the continent.

The Finalists: Culture versus Nature

The selection process, which began in 2021, has narrowed more than 1,200 initial submissions down to 10 final projects. These designs are categorized into two distinct thematic streams. The first, European Culture, features portraits of influential historical figures, while the second, Rivers and Birds, focuses on biodiversity and natural landscapes.

If the cultural theme is selected, the banknotes will celebrate notable individuals who have shaped European history.

• 5 Euro: Maria Callas, the soprano.
• 10 Euro: Ludwig van Beethoven, the German composer.
• 20 Euro: Marie Curie, the scientist and Nobel laureate.
• 50 Euro: Miguel de Cervantes, the Spanish author of Don Quixote.
• 100 Euro: Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian Renaissance symbol.
• 200 Euro: Bertha von Suttner, the Austrian pacifist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

The alternative theme, Rivers and Birds, emphasizes the environment, pairing illustrations of local fauna and waterways with images of European institutional buildings on the reverse side. This design choice is intended to reflect the continent’s interconnectedness and its responsibility toward the natural world.

Public Participation and Decision Timeline

The ECB has explicitly invited the public to weigh in on the future look of their currency. Between now and September 21, 2026, residents of the euro area can view the 10 final designs and submit their preferences through the official ECB online survey. This feedback will be evaluated alongside a parallel study conducted by an independent research firm on a representative sample of the population.

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, stated that euro banknotes are not merely a means of payment but serve as one of the most tangible expressions of Europe, and through designs that combine beauty and meaning, they will strengthen the shared identity of the continent.

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank

The final decision rests with the ECB’s Governing Council, which is expected to announce the winning design intorno alla fine dell’anno (around the end of the year). Once the design is finalized, the technical development phase will begin, involving rigorous security and anti-counterfeiting testing.

Technical Upgrades and Future Circulation

Beyond the aesthetic shift, the new series is designed to address functional and environmental concerns. The ECB has stated that the upcoming notes will incorporate advanced security features to combat counterfeiting and improve accessibility for visually impaired users. Furthermore, the bank intends to reduce the environmental footprint of the banknotes by utilizing more sustainable materials and production processes.

While the designs will be selected in 2026, the physical transition will not be immediate. The new euro notes are slated to enter circulation in the following years, during which time they will coexist with the current series. For now, the focus remains on the public consultation, a process that ensures the currency reflects the collective voice of the citizens who use it daily.