Euro Banknote Designs Get Overhaul: Public Can Vote on New Themes

The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled ten new design options for Euro banknotes. The public can vote on their favorite until September 21st. The designs are based on two themes: 'European culture: shared cultural spaces' and 'Rivers and birds: resilience in diversity.'

Four of the options feature vertical notes, which is a departure from the usual horizontal design. Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, stated that euro banknotes are more than just a means of payment - they represent Europe's shared identity.

The 'European culture' theme features famous figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Marie Curie on the front of the note, with scenes of people reading in a library or street performers entertaining passersby on the back. For the birds theme, kingfishers, storks, and gannets are featured, along with institutions such as the European Parliament.

After the votes are in, the ECB will make a decision on which design to choose. The new notes are expected to enter circulation a few years later.