ECB Considers Featuring Maria Callas on New Euro Banknote

The European Central Bank (ECB) is revamping its euro banknotes, and the public has been invited to weigh in on the redesign. The ECB is considering two core proposals: one that focuses on European culture and another centered on nature.

One of the cultural package's key features is a €5 bill featuring Maria Callas, an American-born Greek soprano widely regarded as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century. Born in New York to Greek parents in December 1923, Callas moved to Athens with her mother at a young age and went on to have a storied career across many leading opera houses.

The ECB is seeking input from Europeans through an online survey that closes September 21st. The results will be combined with the opinions of an independent jury and technical review before the final design is selected by the end of 2026. The new banknotes will then undergo testing before entering circulation.