Europe Votes on Featuring American-born Soprano Maria Callas on Euro Banknotes

The European Central Bank (ECB) is seeking public input on the design of new euro banknotes, including whether to feature Maria Callas, an American-born Greek soprano, on the €5 note.

A survey open until September 21, 2026, allows Europeans to vote on ten shortlisted designs covering two themes: 'European culture' and 'Rivers and birds.'

The culture theme proposes featuring Callas for performing arts on the €5 note, as well as other notable figures such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Marie Curie Skłodowska, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Leonardo da Vinci, and Bertha von Suttner.

The nature alternative would put European birds and river habitats on the front of the notes, paired with European Union institutions on the reverse.