The European Central Bank (ECB) has taken a significant step toward redesigning the euro, unveiling ten finalist designs for the next generation of banknotes. In a move that underscores the institution's commitment to public engagement, citizens across the eurozone are now invited to vote on their preferred aesthetic direction. The new notes are scheduled to enter circulation from the end of 2026.
From over 1,200 initial proposals, two overarching themes emerged: European culture and the continent's natural heritage. Each theme offers five distinct design variants, ranging from minimalist modernism to more detailed, representational styles. The ECB's president, Christine Lagarde, presented the finalists in Frankfurt, urging Europeans to participate in shaping the currency's future look.
Culture Theme: Icons of European Achievement
If the culture theme prevails, the new banknotes will feature six luminaries who have left an indelible mark on European civilization. The €5 note would bear the image of Maria Callas, the Greek-American soprano who transformed opera. The €10 note would honor Ludwig van Beethoven, the German composer whose works epitomize classical music. Marie Curie, the Polish-French physicist and Nobel laureate, would grace the €20 note. Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, would appear on the €50 note. The €100 note would feature Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance polymath, while the €200 note would depict Bertha von Suttner, the Austrian pacifist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
This selection reflects a deliberate effort to represent diverse fields—music, science, literature, art, and peace advocacy—and to span different eras and regions of Europe. The designs aim to evoke a shared cultural heritage that transcends national borders.
Nature Theme: Birds and Rivers as Symbols of Unity
The alternative theme focuses on Europe's biodiversity, with each denomination featuring a different bird species set against a river landscape. The reverse sides depict key EU institutions. The €5 note would show the wallcreeper with the European Parliament; the €10 note, the kingfisher with the European Commission; the €20 note, the European bee-eater with the ECB; the €50 note, the white stork with the Court of Justice of the European Union; the €100 note, the avocet with the European Council and the Council of the European Union; and the €200 note, the northern gannet with the European Court of Auditors.
This theme emphasizes the continent's natural wealth and the importance of environmental protection. The birds were chosen for their migratory patterns that cross national boundaries, symbolizing the interconnectedness of EU member states. The river landscapes, meanwhile, highlight Europe's shared waterways.
The public vote is open on the ECB's website until a specified deadline. The results will inform the final decision, though the ECB's Governing Council retains ultimate authority. The process is part of a broader effort to modernize the currency while reinforcing its role as a symbol of European unity. For context, similar participatory initiatives have been seen in other EU projects, such as the EU's opening of a sixth accession cluster for Ukraine, which also sought to engage citizens in European integration.
Once the winning design is selected, the ECB will proceed with technical preparations, including security features and production logistics. The new banknotes are expected to be issued from the end of 2026, replacing the current series gradually. The redesign aims to maintain a strong link with Europe's shared values—its cultural legacy and natural environment—while ensuring the currency remains secure and recognizable.
This initiative comes amid broader discussions about European identity and the role of symbols in fostering cohesion. As the continent faces challenges from digitalization to environmental change, the new banknotes will serve as a tangible reminder of what unites its diverse nations. For travelers and residents alike, the designs will be a daily encounter with Europe's rich tapestry, whether through the eyes of a soprano or the flight of a stork.
