European Central Bank unveils proposed designs for new euro banknotes

The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled shortlisted designs for the next series of euro banknotes, based on two competing themes: 'European Culture' and 'Rivers and Birds.'

The designs are the outcome of an EU-wide competition that attracted more than 1,200 applications from graphic designers. Of these, 25 designers were invited to develop proposals for one or both themes.

The ECB has also launched a public survey inviting people across the bloc to provide feedback on the designs.

The survey will remain open until 21 September, while the ECB’s Governing Council is expected to select the final design around the end of the year.

Under the 'European Culture' theme, each denomination highlights a prominent European cultural figure on the front and a related cultural activity on the reverse.

The 'European Culture' banknotes (Photos: European Central Bank)

The proposed €5 note focuses on the performing arts, depicting Greek opera singer Maria Callas. The reverse shows street performers entertaining passers-by.

The music-themed €10 note features German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, while the reverse depicts a children’s and young adults’ choir performing at a song festival.

The €20 note focuses on education and features Polish-French physicist Marie Skłodowska-Curie. Its reverse shows a female teacher addressing young students in a university classroom.

Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes appears on the proposed €50 note, which is centred on literature and libraries. The reverse depicts adults reading printed and digital books, while two children reach for a book on a shelf.

The €100 note features Italian Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, with the reverse showing people visiting an art exhibition.

The €200 note depicts Austrian author and peace campaigner Bertha von Suttner, while the reverse shows people gathering in a tree-lined public square.

The competing 'Rivers and Birds' theme highlights the resilience and diversity of Europe’s ecosystems, tracing the course of water from mountain springs to the open sea.

The proposed €5 note shows a wallcreeper beside a mountain spring, with the European Parliament depicted on the reverse.

The €10 note features a kingfisher beside a waterfall, while the reverse shows the European Commission.

The €20 note depicts a river valley and a colony of bee-eaters nesting in a sandy riverbank. The European Central Bank appears on the reverse.

The €50 note shows a white stork flying above a long, meandering river, with the Court of Justice of the European Union depicted on the reverse.

The €100 note features an avocet flying above a river mouth and surrounding mudflats. The reverse shows the European Council and the Council of the European Union.

The €200 note depicts a northern gannet soaring above ocean waves, while the reverse features the European Court of Auditors.

“Euro banknotes are more than a means of payment—they are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe,” ECB President Christine Lagarde said.

“Through designs that combine beauty and meaning, they will reinforce our shared identity.”

The introduction of a new banknote series will also allow the ECB to incorporate updated security technology to combat counterfeiting and improve accessibility for visually impaired people.

The new notes are also expected to use more sustainable materials and production processes.