Europeans Weigh In on New Euro Banknotes in Record-Breaking Survey

A nine-million-strong European public has spoken on the next generation of euro banknotes. The European Central Bank's (ECB) survey, which closed on Monday, garnered a staggering number of responses from across the 21 countries that use the euro.

The ECB confirmed the figure, which gives an indication of just how much attention plans for a redesign have attracted. The current notes, introduced in 2002, will be replaced by new designs built around two themes: one featuring birds and European institutions, and another highlighting historical figures who shaped Europe.

The public survey is part of a five-year-long makeover process that has been ongoing since the introduction of the euro notes. Ten proposals were unveiled in July, sparking heated debates on social media, with some turning them into memes.

Lisa Borgenheimer, professor of Information Design at the Offenbach University of Art and Design and one of the jurors who selected the proposals, expressed her satisfaction with the shortlist. She noted that each design is unique and distinctive in its own way, showcasing 'the innovation and imagination of a possible future banknote design', according to Euractiv.