ECB Unveils Finalist Designs for New Euro Banknotes

The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled ten finalist designs for the new euro banknotes, which will be renewed after more than twenty years. The designs are part of a public consultation that aims to involve citizens in the decision-making process. The ECB's President, Christine Lagarde, emphasized that it is time to renew the appearance of banknotes so that citizens can identify with them.

The ten finalist proposals are inspired by two major themes: European culture and rivers and birds. Each proposal includes denominations from 5 to 200 euros, and the images have been published on the ECB's official website for citizens to compare directly before casting their vote. The selection process involved over 1,200 applications, with 25 professionals invited to submit detailed proposals.

The designs were evaluated by an independent jury of 21 experts based on criteria such as originality, representativeness, and technical feasibility. The public consultation will continue until September 21, 2026, after which the Governing Council of the ECB will make a final decision on the winning design.