ECB Unveils Final Euro Banknote Designs Ahead of Public Vote

The European Central Bank (ECB) is revamping its euro banknotes for the first time in two decades. A public vote has begun to choose from 10 final design options, which will be chosen by the end of 2026.

According to ECB President Christine Lagarde, it's time to update the designs to make them more accessible to Europeans of all ages and backgrounds. The current designs have been in circulation since over two decades ago.

The competition started last year with two main themes: 'European Culture' and 'Rivers and Birds.' These themes symbolize a shared European identity, values, and diversity for the first theme, while the second represents freedom, unity, and the absence of borders.

Over 1,200 designers from across Europe submitted their designs, with 25 finalists presenting their work. An independent jury selected the top 10 concepts, which are now available on the ECB's website for public voting.

The redesign aims to improve protection against counterfeiting and enhance user-friendliness, particularly for people with visual impairments. The new series will introduce enhanced security features, making the banknotes harder to counterfeit and easier to verify.