The ECB has presented the finalist designs of the competition to design the next series of euro banknotes and launched an opinion poll, inviting citizens across Europe to contribute to the final selection.
Among the subjects in the running are the singer Maria Callas, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Leonardo da Vinci. Their faces, along with those of the writer and soldier Miguel de Cervantes, the scientist Marie Curie, and the writer Bertha von Suttner, appear in the final list of 10 designs for the new European banknotes, along with those of the other theme: "Rivers and Birds," which features various species and the headquarters of several European institutions on the reverse.
"Euro banknotes are more than just a means of payment: they are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe," said ECB President Christine Lagarde. "Combining beauty and meaning, they will strengthen our common identity," she added.
The design proposals were preselected through a European Union-wide competition. Over 1,200 applications were received from graphic designers, 25 of whom were then asked to develop their proposals for one or both themes.
An independent jury of 21 experts from different disciplines (graphics, communication, neuroscience, and history), each appointed by the central bank of their respective euro area country, finally shortlisted ten proposals.
All European citizens are now invited to "make their voices heard." The public survey will remain open until September 21, 2026. A parallel survey, with the same questions, will be conducted by an independent research firm among a representative sample of euro area citizens.
The ECB will publish a report on the results of both surveys once the final design has been selected. The Governing Council is expected to take a final decision on the new banknote design around the end of the year, based on a combination of input, including the competition jury's conclusions, a technical assessment, and the results of the two surveys. The selected proposal will then be further developed and tested before going into production. The new banknotes are scheduled to enter circulation in the following years.
Previous series of euro banknotes will retain their value and continue to circulate alongside the new series.
(Unioneonline)