ECB Unveils Shortlisted Designs for New Euro Banknotes, Public Invited to Vote

The European Central Bank (ECB) has revealed the shortlisted designs for the next generation of euro banknotes and launched a public survey inviting people across Europe to help shape the final look of the new currency.

The announcement marks a major milestone in the redesign of euro banknotes, which have remained largely unchanged since they were first introduced in 2002. The ECB says the project aims to ensure that euro banknotes remain secure, modern and representative of Europe's shared identity.

ECB Reveals 10 Shortlisted Banknote Designs

The ECB has shortlisted 10 design proposals, developed around two themes:

• European Culture

• Rivers and Birds

According to the central bank, these themes were selected to reflect Europe's cultural heritage, biodiversity and shared values. The designs are the result of an EU-wide design competition, which attracted more than 1,200 applications from graphic designers.

From those entries, 25 designers were invited to develop detailed proposals before an independent panel of 21 experts selected the final 10 designs.

Public Survey Now Open

For the first time in the euro banknote redesign process, the ECB is inviting people across Europe to provide direct feedback.

The online public survey is open until 21 September 2026. In parallel, an independent research company will conduct a separate survey among a representative sample of euro area citizens.

The ECB said public feedback will play an important role in determining the final design.

Christine Lagarde: Banknotes Represent Europe

ECB President Christine Lagarde said euro banknotes are much more than a means of payment.

She said the new designs are intended to combine beauty with meaning while strengthening a shared European identity.

When Will the Final Design Be Chosen?

The ECB's Governing Council is expected to select the winning design around the end of 2026.

Before the new banknotes enter circulation, the chosen design will undergo additional development, technical testing and security assessments.

The new series is expected to be introduced in the coming years, although no exact launch date has been announced. Existing euro banknotes will remain valid and continue circulating alongside the new series.

Why Is the ECB Redesigning Euro Banknotes?

The ECB says the redesign is part of a long-term strategy to ensure that cash remains:

• Secure against counterfeiting

• Easy to authenticate

• Accessible for visually impaired users

• More environmentally sustainable

• Relevant to future generations

The new notes will include improved security features and more sustainable production methods while maintaining public confidence in euro cash.

Key Highlights

Topic	Details
Organisation	European Central Bank (ECB)
Announcement Date	23 July 2026
Shortlisted Designs	10
Design Themes	European Culture; Rivers and Birds
Public Survey Deadline	21 September 2026
Final Design Decision	Expected by the end of 2026
Existing Euro Notes	Will remain valid after the redesign

FAQ

Why is the ECB introducing new euro banknotes?

The redesign aims to improve security, sustainability, accessibility and ensure that euro banknotes continue to reflect Europe's shared identity.

How many designs have been shortlisted?

The ECB has shortlisted 10 design proposals based on two themes: European Culture and Rivers and Birds.

Can the public vote on the designs?

Yes. The ECB has launched an online public survey that remains open until 21 September 2026.

When will the new euro banknotes be released?

The final design is expected to be selected by the end of 2026, with the new banknotes entering circulation in subsequent years after further testing and production.

Will existing euro banknotes still be valid?

Yes. The ECB has confirmed that current euro banknotes will continue to circulate and retain their value after the new series is introduced.