Euro Banknotes Get a Culture-Shocked Makeover
The European Central Bank has unveiled its proposed designs for the next generation of euro banknotes. The new series focuses on 'European Culture' and features historical figures that may not be widely recognized by Europeans.
Among the six individuals featured are soprano Maria Callas, composer Ludwig van Beethoven, scientist Marie Skłodowska-Curie, author Miguel de Cervantes, polymath Leonardo da Vinci, and noblewoman and peace activist Bertha von Suttner. Each of these individuals will be represented on a different denomination: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and €200 respectively.
The designs have been met with criticism for being 'ugly, forgettable and irrelevant.' The article suggests that the new banknotes are a fitting representation of Europe's current state, having lost its way and forgotten what made it great. However, this is not a universally held view and some may see the new designs as an opportunity to celebrate European culture.