Greek designer shortlisted in euro banknote design competition
The Cyprus Mail reported that residents of eurozone countries can vote online until September 21 for one of ten design options for the new series of euro banknotes. The European Central Bank's shortlist includes Design E, led by Greek designer Mirsini Vardopoulou.
A design about culture and achievements
Vardopoulou has been creating postage stamps for Hellenic Post for more than 20 years. During this time, she has designed more than 250 stamps on the themes of the Olympic Games, literature and communication.
The ten proposals shortlisted by the ECB are based on two themes. The first is dedicated to European culture and prominent figures, including Maria Callas, Ludwig van Beethoven and Miguel de Cervantes. The second theme is rivers and birds as symbols of freedom, unity and Europe's connection with nature.
Design E belongs to the cultural theme but focuses not on the fame of the people depicted, but on their contributions. The project uses circular visual elements and symbols intended to connect ideas, knowledge and culture. The sketch for the 20-euro banknote depicts Polish-French physicist and chemist Marie Curie.
For the 5-euro banknote, Vardopoulou proposed an image of Europa from ancient Greek mythology, as well as depictions of Cyprus and Malta.
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Voting and the ECB decision
After the vote ends, the ECB will consider its results together with an independent survey and a technical report. The bank's Governing Council is expected to make a final decision by the end of the year.
The finalists in the second stage of the competition represent seven EU nationalities. Among the ten professional graphic designers are six men and four women, and two participants are under 40 years old.
The current Europa series of banknotes gradually replaced the first euro banknotes introduced in 2002. It was issued from 2013 to 2019. The series includes banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 euros; the 500-euro banknote is no longer issued, but retains its legal tender status.
The banknote design update is taking place alongside discussions of the digital euro. If legislation is adopted in 2026, its first issuance could be possible by 2029; the digital euro is intended to complement cash rather than replace it.
