New Euro Banknotes: ECB Selects Designs Featuring Cultural Icons

The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to enhance the security features of Euro banknotes while simultaneously redesigning them. The new series will showcase a diverse range of motifs that reflect European cultural identity and heritage.

In a recent announcement, the ECB revealed a shortlist of potential designs that will adorn the upcoming Euro banknotes. Among the selected figures are esteemed personalities such as Marie Curie, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Leonardo da Vinci. These choices are intended to symbolize the rich cultural history and contributions of Europe.

The proposed themes for the new banknotes include 'European Culture,' which will highlight significant cultural sites and notable European figures. For instance, the reverse side of the banknotes may feature street artists, libraries, or universities, further emphasizing the continent's cultural diversity.

The second theme, 'Rivers and Birds,' focuses on the resilience and variety of nature across Europe. The designs may also incorporate imagery of key European institutions, such as the European Parliament and the European Commission, thereby reinforcing the connection between culture and governance.

Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, expressed her enthusiasm for the new designs, stating that they reflect a commitment to Europe's cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. The ECB aims to produce banknotes that not only serve as a medium of exchange but also embody a shared European identity.

The redesign process, which commenced in late 2021, is part of an ongoing effort to combat counterfeiting. Central banks periodically launch new series of banknotes to introduce advanced security features that make it more difficult for counterfeiters. The ECB is also taking steps to minimize the environmental impact of banknote production, ensuring that the new notes have a longer lifespan.

Feedback has played a crucial role in shaping the designs. Input from experts and a survey conducted in 2023, which engaged approximately 365,000 European citizens, influenced the selection of motifs.

However, the public will have to wait some time before the new banknotes are in circulation. A design competition is scheduled for 2025, during which the ECB Council will finalize the motifs in 2026. After this, the public will have the opportunity to view and provide feedback on the new designs.

Current Euro banknotes feature relatively abstract designs, depicting non-existent architectural structures. The initial series of Euro banknotes was introduced in 2002, with the second generation fully implemented by May 2019 and enhanced security features added.

In a reaffirmation of its stance on cash, the ECB reiterated its commitment to banknotes as symbols of European unity. ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone emphasized the institution's ongoing support for cash transactions, underscoring the relevance of banknotes in today's digital age.

The Bundesbank has welcomed the selection of diverse European personalities for the new banknotes, noting that they embody the values and cultural richness of the continent. Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel highlighted the importance of representing a wide spectrum of European contributions to music, science, literature, and art.