FAQ on the redesign of euro banknotes

Updated on 22 September 2026

Q1 Why do we need new banknotes?

All central banks regularly upgrade their banknotes or develop new ones to make counterfeiting more difficult. The first series of euro banknotes was introduced over 20 years ago and the second series started entering into circulation in 2013. We are now in the process of developing the next generation of euro banknotes. This is an opportunity to make our banknotes more attractive, relatable and inclusive for all Europeans, including people with a visual impairment.

We also want euro banknotes to be as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible, so we are looking at opportunities to reduce their environmental impact.

Q2 Why do we need a new design for the banknotes?

Euro banknotes are a visible and tangible symbol of European integration and it is our responsibility to keep them up to date. More than 20 years since the introduction of the first euro banknotes, we are now reviewing their design as part of a regular development process. In line with the Eurosystem cash strategy, we aim to develop attractive euro banknotes that Europeans can identify with.

Q3 Why now? Is this the right time to develop a new banknote series?

It takes several years to develop, produce and put new banknotes into circulation throughout the euro area. New banknotes are usually put into circulation every ten to fifteen years to enhance security and resilience and stay ahead of counterfeiters. It is important to start the process early enough to be ready once a decision is made to launch a new series.

Q4 How does the redesign process for the new banknotes work?

The redesign of euro banknotes consists of two consecutive phases:

1. Selecting future themes and motifs for euro banknotes
   1. We commissioned a study to consult Europeans in focus groups about their views on possible future themes. The results served as input for the subsequent steps.
   2. The ECB’s Governing Council shortlisted seven themes, including six proposals from the Theme Advisory Group (a group of experts nominated by the euro area national central banks and appointed by the ECB).
   3. Europeans were given the opportunity to express their views on the seven shortlisted themes in a survey conducted by an external research company in all euro area countries and in an online survey conducted by the ECB.
   4. From the shortlist, the Governing Council chose two possible themes for future banknotes, taking into account the results of the surveys.
   5. The Governing Council then selected motifs to illustrate the possible themes from proposals developed by the Motifs Advisory Group (a group of experts established by the ECB).
2. Developing new designs for euro banknotes
   1. A design contest was launched, open to all graphic designers residing in the European Union. 25 designers were invited to submit their design proposals for one or both of the themes and an independent Design Contest Jury selected the best design proposals for each theme.

Europeans had the opportunity to express their opinions on the design proposals through a public online survey, from 23 July to 21 September 2026. In addition, a separate survey with the same questions was conducted by an independent research company among a representative sample of euro area citizens.

• The Governing Council is expected to decide on the new designs around the end of 2026, considering the public preferences.

For more information, take a look at the future banknotes webpage.

Q5 Why did you select “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” as the possible themes for future banknotes?

We are listening to the views of the European public throughout the redesign process. The themes were selected on the basis of the findings of public surveys and with the assistance of an independent advisory group.

The results of our surveys showed strong support for the themes of “European culture”, “Rivers: the waters of life in Europe” and “Birds: free, resilient, inspiring”. In order to reflect the public’s preferences as broadly as possible, the Governing Council decided to combine the nature and environment-related themes into a single theme, “Rivers and birds”. We are therefore moving forward with two themes: “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”.

Q6 How did you decide on the motifs for the future banknotes?

In 2024 the ECB tasked an independent expert group, the Motifs Advisory Group, to propose motifs that best illustrate the selected themes. The members of the Group are experts on various subjects related to the two themes. At the beginning of 2025, on the basis of the Group’s advice and its own deliberations, the Governing Council decided to include both of the selected themes and a set of motifs for each of them in the design contest.

Q7 What is the public’s role in the redesign process?

It is very important for the ECB that the decisions taken throughout the process take the opinions of Europeans into account.

At the beginning of the process, a qualitative survey was conducted to understand people’s views on possible themes for future euro banknotes. Then, in the summer of 2023, the public participated in an online survey focussed on a shortlist of themes. In parallel, an external research company conducted a similar survey aimed at ensuring the best possible representation of the euro area population.

After the selection of motifs and the conclusion of the design contest, we sought the public’s preferences on a shortlist of ten design proposals.

Q8 When will the results of the surveys on the design proposals be published?

The report summarising the results of the public surveys, including feedback on the individual designs, will be published after the Governing Council makes its final decision around the end of 2026.

Q9 How were the members of the different expert groups selected?

To assist in the various phases of the redesign process, three independent expert groups were established: the Theme Advisory Group, the Motifs Advisory Group and the Design Contest Jury. These groups consist of specialists from across Europe, representing diverse fields such as design, history, literature, science, the arts and academia, ensuring a broad range of expertise and perspectives. The experts were nominated by national central banks of the euro area and appointed by the ECB.

Q10 When will we have banknotes with a new design in our pockets?

After the designs for the future euro banknotes have been selected, the ECB’s Governing Council will decide when to produce and issue the new banknotes. It will then take several years for the first banknotes to enter into circulation and end up in our pockets.

The different denominations of the current series of euro banknotes were introduced gradually over a number of years. No decision has been made yet on when and how the future euro banknotes will be put into circulation.

Q11 Will the materials or the size of future banknotes change in the redesign process, and will new denominations be featured?

The current euro banknotes are printed on cotton fibre paper, which gives them their special crispness and wear-and-tear resistance. We are constantly exploring ways to improve the lifespan and reduce the environmental footprint of our banknotes.

We intend to have the same denominations as the current series (€5, €10, €20, €50, €100 and €200). To facilitate the changeover and limit the costs of adapting banknote handling machines, the sizes and dominant colours are also likely to remain the same.

Q12 Who will decide on the final design?

The final decision will be made by the Governing Council, taking into account the views of the European public and the advice of expert groups. The Governing Council’s decisions will be announced on the ECB’s website.

Q13 Will vulnerable groups be consulted in the redesign process (e.g. people with a visual impairment)?

The ECB and euro area national central banks are in regular contact with various stakeholder groups. For example, during the development of the existing euro banknote series we held regular consultations with the European Blind Union. Such consultations have continued since then and will continue throughout the redesign process.