ECB opens public vote on new euro banknote designs, first full redesign since 2002
Ten designs across two themes, European culture and rivers & birds, are up for public consultation until 21 September 2026, ahead of the first full redesign since the euro's launch in 2002.
The European Central Bank has launched a public consultation on the next generation of euro banknotes, giving citizens across the eurozone a direct say in the first full redesign since the currency entered circulation in 2002. Ten preselected designs, drawn from over 1,200 entries, are now open for rating until 21 September 2026.
Public consultation opens
On 23 July 2026 the ECB unveiled the ten finalist proposals and activated an online survey. A parallel demoscopic study will poll a representative sample of eurozone residents. ECB President Christine Lagarde framed the move as a matter of ownership.
If we print the banknotes, the banknotes are yours.
The results of both the public survey and the independent study will be published, feeding into the final decision alongside a technical evaluation and the recommendations of the 21-member expert jury.
Two themes, ten designs
The shortlisted designs are evenly split between two motifs. Five proposals fall under 'European culture', celebrating shared heritage and iconic figures. The obverse of these notes features personalities such as Maria Callas, Ludwig van Beethoven, Marie Curie, Miguel de Cervantes, Leonardo da Vinci, and Bertha von Suttner. The reverse shows cultural and leisure activities from across the continent, intended to promote inclusion and dialogue.
The other five designs follow the theme 'Rivers and birds', highlighting the resilience and diversity of Europe's natural ecosystems. Each note pairs a bird species with a European river on the front, while the back displays EU institutions: the ECB building, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Court of Justice, the European Court of Auditors, and the Council buildings.
The European institutions remind us of the fundamental values of the European project.
Selection process
More than 1,200 graphic designers took part in an EU-wide competition. From that pool, 25 were invited to develop proposals for one or both themes. An independent jury of 21 experts in graphic design, communication, history, and neuroscience then preselected the ten finalists. Among the candidates are two Spanish studios: Rubio & del Amo and Cruz mas Cruz, the latter founded by the late José María Cruz Novillo. Their joint submission for the 'European culture' category proposes a vertical banknote layout, a departure from the current horizontal format.
What happens next
The ECB Governing Council expects to choose the winning concept before the end of 2026. After that, a phase of development and testing will begin, followed by production. The new notes will not reach wallets immediately; the ECB says they will enter circulation "in the coming years."
- ECB unveils 10 preselected designs and opens public consultation
- Public consultation closes
- ECB Governing Council selects winning design
- New banknotes enter circulation after development and testing
Beyond aesthetics, the redesign pursues practical goals. Piero Cipollone, member of the ECB's Executive Board, stressed that the project is part of a long-term effort to keep cash secure, efficient, and close to citizens. The new series will incorporate strengthened anti-counterfeiting features, improved accessibility for visually impaired users, and a reduced environmental footprint through more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
