Photo: The ECB Will Change the Euro's Designs for the First Time in 20 Years
The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled 10 final design options for the new series of euro banknotes. It is from these options that residents of the eurozone will choose the future design of the European currency, and the final decision is expected to be made by the end of 2026.
According to ECB President Christine Lagarde, it is time to update the design of the banknotes, which have been in circulation for more than two decades.
“After 20 years, it’s time to review the appearance of our banknotes to make them more accessible to Europeans of all ages and backgrounds,” Lagarde noted.
The competition to create the new design began in 2025. Two main themes were selected for the future series:
- “European Culture”;
- “Rivers and Birds.”
The ECB explains that culture symbolizes a shared European identity, values, and diversity, while rivers and birds embody freedom, unity, and the absence of borders.
The competition received over 1,200 entries from designers across Europe.
After the selection process, 25 finalists presented their designs, and an independent jury of 21 experts, delegated by the central banks of the eurozone countries, selected the 10 best concepts.
It is from among these options that residents of eurozone countries will choose the future design of the banknotes. Voting will continue until September 21.
The ECB emphasizes that the redesign of the banknotes is primarily aimed at improving protection against counterfeiting.
“Technology is evolving, and euro banknotes are adapting along with it. The new series introduces enhanced security features, making the banknotes harder to counterfeit and easier for everyone to verify,” the regulator explained.
In addition, the new design is intended to make the banknotes more user-friendly and accessible, particularly for people with visual impairments.
The ECB notes that regularly updating banknotes is standard practice for central banks worldwide. The first series of euro banknotes was introduced over 20 years ago, and the second series began circulating in 2013.
There are no plans to introduce new denominations. The new series will include:
- 5 euros;
- 10 euros;
- 20 euros;
- 50 euros;
- 100 euros;
- 200 euros.
The 500-euro banknote will not return to circulation.
Also, to simplify the transition, the sizes of the banknotes and their primary colors will likely remain the same as in the current series.
The ECB plans to finalize the design of the new series by the end of 2026. After that, the development, testing, and printing of the banknotes will begin.
The regulator notes that it will take several more years before the new euro banknotes actually enter circulation, and a decision on the exact timing and procedure for their introduction has not yet been made.
The new concepts are presented on the European Central Bank’s website.
