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Future banknotes

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After 20 years, it’s time to review the look of our banknotes to make them more relatable to Europeans of all ages and backgrounds.

Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB

Euro banknotes are used by millions every day. But we are redesigning them to make them more secure, sustainable, accessible, inclusive and relatable for all Europeans. Now the time has come to consider a shortlist of ten designs.

The final decision on the visual appearance of our next banknote series is expected around the end of 2026. The development and production of the banknotes will then begin, and it will take several years before the new banknotes find their way into people’s pockets.

Design proposals

Public survey

After the end of the design contest in June 2026, everyone in Europe was invited to have their say on the ten design proposals in an online survey that was open from 23 July to 21 September 2026. Thank you to the nearly 10 million citizens that participated! The Governing Council will consider the public’s responses before selecting the final design for the future euro banknotes. This is expected to take place around the end of 2026. 

Why do we need to redesign euro banknotes?

Redesigning banknotes ensures they remain secure and respond to evolving needs and expectations. In particular, it allows us to:

Better reflect Europe's identity and values

Euro banknotes are a tangible reflection of Europe’s shared identity, diversity and values. More relatable motifs can further strengthen the bond between Europeans and their currency.

Stay ahead of counterfeiting techniques

Technology evolves, and euro banknotes adapt with it. A new series introduces advanced security features, making the banknotes more difficult to counterfeit and easier to check for everyone.

Improve inclusion and accessibility

Euro banknotes must be easy to use for everyone. The redesign offers an opportunity to make banknotes easier to recognise and handle, which helps ensure that cash remains an accessible means of payment.

Enhance environmental sustainability

The ECB is conscious of the environmental impact of the euro banknotes and constantly aims to reduce it. A new euro series is an opportunity to optimise their production and improve their environmental sustainability.

Themes and motifs

On 30 November 2023 the ECB’s Governing Council decided to move to the next phase of the redesign process. Two possible themes were selected: “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”. The associated motifs were chosen in January 2025.

Check here the Report by the Theme Advisory Group and Report by the Motifs Advisory Group. 

European culture

Europe’s rich cultural heritage and its dynamic cultural and creative sectors strengthen our shared European identity, forging a shared sense of belonging. Culture promotes common values, inclusion and dialogue in Europe and beyond. It brings people together.

Rivers and birds

Rivers and birds recognise no borders, symbolising freedom and unity among Europeans and our connection to nature. Europe boasts a wide variety of rivers and birds that inspire us and remind us of our responsibility to protect the environment.

Design contest

Design contest

In 2025 a design contest for the future euro banknotes was launched, with designers from across Europe invited to participate. Over 1,200 applications were received from graphic designers, 25 of whom were invited to submit design proposals. An independent jury of 21 experts – each nominated by a euro area country central bank – then shortlisted ten designs.

Executive summary of the Design Contest Jury

What has the public said so far?

We have already consulted the European public twice since the start of the redesign process, and this summer’s public survey is the final time to do so once more. Have a look at the preferences voiced by the public since the launch of the redesign process.

Qualitative study Theme surveys

SEE ALSO

More on future banknotes

The redesign process explained

Design Contest Jury Report

Want to know more about the redesign banknotes?

Frequently Asked Questions

Design contest participants and winners

Check out the full list

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