ECB unveils 10 candidate designs for first full euro banknote redesign since 2002, opens public survey until 21 September

The European Central Bank presented 10 candidate designs for a new series of euro banknotes on Thursday 23 July 2026, the first full redesign since the currency's introduction in 2002. ECB President Christine Lagarde unveiled the proposals, which are built around two themes: 'European culture' and 'Rivers and birds'.

Euro banknotes are more than a means of payment — they are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe. Through designs that combine beauty and meaning, they will strengthen our common identity.

The designs emerged from an EU-wide competition that drew over 1,200 applications from graphic designers. Twenty-five were invited to develop proposals for one or both themes. An independent jury of 21 experts from different fields, appointed by a Eurozone central bank, selected the 10 shortlisted designs.

The ECB Governing Council has now opened a public online survey on the 10 proposals, running until 21 September 2026. A parallel survey with identical questions will be conducted by an independent research firm using a representative sample of euro-area citizens. The Governing Council is expected to make a final decision on the new design around the end of 2026.

The chosen design will undergo testing before production begins. Notes from the new series are expected to enter circulation in the coming years. Existing euro banknotes will retain their value and circulate alongside the new series.

The redesign of euro banknotes is part of a long-term effort by the Eurosystem to ensure that cash remains a safe, efficient and accessible means of payment, preserving citizens' access to public money and their freedom to choose how they pay.

The new banknotes will incorporate new and improved security features.