ECB Nails Down Finalists for New Euro Banknotes
The European Central Bank (ECB) has narrowed down its selection of new Euro banknote designs to two thematic directions: European culture and European nature. The ECB received over 1,200 submissions but ultimately chose ten finalist projects that showcase influential figures in history or symbols of European biodiversity.
For the culture-themed direction, some notable historical figures will appear on the new banknotes. Maria Callas, the renowned opera singer, will be featured on the €5 note, while Ludwig van Beethoven, the famous German composer, will be honored on the €10 note. The €20 note will dedicate itself to Marie Curie, a Nobel laureate in physics and chemistry.
The larger denominations will feature two iconic figures of European thought: Leonardo da Vinci on the €100 note and Bertha von Suttner, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, on the €200 note. An alternative option focuses on nature, with each banknote featuring a view of a European bird against a river landscape.
The ECB will now move on to the technical stages of preparing the issuance of new banknotes after consultations are completed and the winning project is determined. Voting can be done through the ECB's website, where the ten finalist projects are presented in various graphic styles.