ECB Seeks Public Input on Euro Banknote Designs Amid Cash Usage Decline

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a public consultation to decide on the design of future euro banknotes, which will feature motifs such as birds, rivers, and cultural figures like composers. The ECB aims to gather input from citizens before making a final decision.

According to Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB Executive Board, over 9 million ballots have already been submitted, and more are needed before the consultation ends next Monday. The ECB has shortlisted ten designs that can be grouped under two themes: European culture and Rivers and birds.

Cipollone emphasized that cash will remain an essential part of everyday life in Europe, despite declining usage. He highlighted that 31 billion euro banknotes are currently circulating, valued at over EUR1.6 trillion, which expands by around 3% annually. Additionally, more than 150 billion euro coins remain in circulation.

The ECB is also working on the digital euro, an electronic variant of central bank money meant to complement cash. Cipollone stated that the ECB is putting resources into both cash and the digital euro, aiming to provide Europeans with access to central bank money in physical and digital formats for everyday payments.