Euro Banknotes Get a Makeover with Iconic European Figures

The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced its plans to introduce new euro banknotes featuring iconic figures from European history and culture. The ECB received over 1,200 design submissions but narrowed it down to two themes: European culture and nature.

The culture-themed direction will feature six key figures in history on the new banknotes. The 5 euro note will be dedicated to opera singer Maria Callas, while the 10 euro note will honor German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Marie Curie, a Nobel laureate in physics and chemistry, will appear on the 20 euro note, followed by Cervantes, the author of 'Don Quixote', on the 50 euro note.

The largest denominations will be dedicated to two iconic figures of European thought: Leonardo da Vinci on the 100 euro note and Bertha von Suttner, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, on the 200 euro note. The ECB is urging Europeans to participate in the selection process through an online voting system.

The alternative option focuses on nature, featuring each banknote with a view of a European bird against a river landscape. The reverse side will show images of key EU institutions.