ECB Seeks Public Input on New Euro Banknote Designs

The European Central Bank (ECB) has initiated a renewal process to transform the appearance of euro banknotes, and is seeking public input through an online survey. The current design of euro banknotes will be phased out in its current format. A panel of independent experts selected ten finalist mock-ups from over 1,200 designers who participated in a graphic competition.

The finalists are divided into two conceptual currents: five focused on European cultural heritage and as many on the fauna of rivers and birds of the old continent. If this option goes ahead, the faces of the banknotes will feature the effigies of figures such as Maria Callas, Ludwig van Beethoven, Marie Curie, Miguel de Cervantes, Leonardo da Vinci, and Bertha von Suttner.

The redesign aims to incorporate state-of-the-art technological elements to protect cash against potential counterfeiting, facilitate quick verification of its authenticity, and integrate raised features and textures adapted for visually impaired people. Any EU citizen can fill out the survey on the official ECB website to express their preferences before September 21.