The ECB wants to hear your views on the future look of euro banknotes

28/07/2026

The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled the ten shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes and is inviting Europeans to have their say in an online survey, which will remain open until 21 September.

More than 1,200 graphic designers across the European Union took part in the contest. From these entries, an independent jury selected ten design proposals inspired by one of two themes: “European culture”, represented by prominent figures who helped shape Europe’s identity and values, or “Rivers and birds”, evoking freedom of movement and the need to care for the natural world around us.

The ECB seeks to design banknotes that feel familiar and meaningful to people, as well as visually appealing, secure against counterfeiting and environmentally sustainable.

The ECB Governing Council is expected to select the definitive design around the end of the year, based on the public’s input. The Eurosystem will then turn these designs into banknotes, print them and put them into circulation. This means that it will take a few more years before we start using the new banknotes. The current banknotes will remain valid and will circulate alongside the new ones in the future.

This is an opportunity for everyone to have a say in what future euro banknotes could look like. Have your say!