The Euro Banknote Redesign: Final Designs Revealed

The European Central Bank (ECB) has presented ten finalist designs for the upcoming new series of euro banknotes, marking the first full visual identity overhaul since the currency was introduced in 2002. The shortlisted proposals come from a competition that attracted over 1,200 submissions from graphic designers across Europe, with 25 invited to develop complete series under two themes: “European Culture” and “Rivers and Birds”.

After a two-stage evaluation by an independent 21-member jury—including experts in graphic design, art history, communications and neuroscience—ten proposals (five per theme) made the final cut. The culture theme features iconic European figures on the front and spaces of shared cultural activity on the back, while the rivers-and-birds theme pairs indigenous bird species with river landscapes on the front and EU institution buildings on the reverse.

The ECB opened an online public survey on its website, inviting all Europeans to express their opinion on the ten designs. At the same time, a professional research agency will conduct a statistically representative survey exclusively among euro-area citizens to ensure the results reflect the views of actual currency users.

The final choice will be made by the ECB’s Governing Council, which will consider public feedback before selecting the winning design. The decision is expected by the end of 2026. The new banknotes will also incorporate upgraded security features to make them harder to counterfeit and more accessible, including for visually impaired people.

Why This Redesign Matters More Than Just a New Look

A Currency That Tells a European Story

This redesign is about more than aesthetics. The ECB wants the new banknotes to reinforce a shared European identity while remaining practical, secure and inclusive. The two themes—culture and nature—were chosen after extensive research and public consultation. By letting ordinary people vote on the final designs, the ECB is also using the process as a tool for civic engagement and transparency, showing that the euro belongs to its citizens.

Behind the Competition Mechanics

The ECB spent over €400,000 on designer fees: each of the 25 invited designers received €5,000 per theme they tackled, and the ten whose proposals reached the final stage earned an extra €10,000 each. Submissions were made under pseudonyms to prevent bias, and the jury rated each entry on creativity, thematic consistency, accessibility and public appeal. The public vote will now serve as an additional layer of input before the Governing Council’s final decision.

Security and Accessibility Leap

Banknotes are typically redesigned every 10–15 years to stay ahead of counterfeiters. However, previous updates to the euro were technical adjustments, preserving the original “ages and styles” look. This time, the ECB is seizing the opportunity to embed the latest anti-counterfeit technology and improve recognition for blind and partially sighted people. The new security features remain confidential but are described as making notes easier to verify and harder to fake.

How to Have Your Say on the Future Euro Banknotes

  • Vote now: all Europeans can participate in the ECB’s online survey on the new banknote designs. The public feedback will directly influence the Governing Council’s final choice, expected by the end of 2026.
  • Watch for the final reveal later this year, with the winning design to be confirmed after the Council reviews both the public and the representative euro-area survey results.
  • Expect enhanced anti-counterfeit and accessibility features in the new notes, which will make everyday use safer and easier, especially for visually impaired people.