Europe Prepares To Introduce New Banknotes
12- 2.03.2026, 9:53
- 14,602
What happens to the old ones?
The European Central Bank (ECB) continues the process of redesigning the European currency, which started at the end of 2021. What will the new euros be like and when can we expect them?
The main goal of the reform is not only to increase the level of protection of banknotes, but also to make them more inclusive and environmentally friendly.
As part of the update, the ECB is reviewing production technologies to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of cash through the use of new materials, writes Delfi.
Based on surveys of eurozone citizens (more than 365,000 people participated) and recommendations from independent experts, the ECB Governing Council narrowed the choice down to two final thematic concepts: "European Culture" and "Rivers and Birds".
The "European Culture" concept is designed to emphasize the common historical and creative space that unites EU residents. The motifs of these banknotes will be dedicated to outstanding personalities and cultural phenomena:
€5, €10 and €20: Dedicated to the performing arts, music and science. They will feature singer Maria Callas, composer Ludwig van Beethoven and scientist Maria Sklodowska-Curie.
€50, €100 and €200: Reflect the importance of literature, fine arts and civil society. The banknotes will feature Miguel de Cervantes, Leonardo da Vinci and Bertha von Zutner against a backdrop of libraries, museums and public squares.
The theme "Rivers and Birds" symbolizes freedom, unity and the importance of protecting the environment, which knows no national boundaries:
The obverse will show various bodies of water (from a mountain stream on the €5 bill to ocean waves on the €200 bill) combined with characteristic birds such as kingfishers, ruffed grouse or white storks.
The reverse will feature visual references to key EU institutions (European Parliament, European Court of Justice, ECB, etc.) as a reminder of the fundamental values of the EU.
When to expect new banknotes?
In mid-July 2025, the ECB launched a closed competition among EU graphic designers. At the moment, the application phase has been finalized. An expert panel will select up to 40 professionals who will have until the end of March 2026 to develop their design projects. An independent jury will select up to 10 best works (five for each topic).
The results of the competition will be summarized in June 2026, after which the ECB will conduct another round of public polls to hear the opinion of Europeans on the finalist projects. The final design of the future banknotes is planned to be approved by the end of 2026.
But the ECB emphasizes: there is no exact date for putting the new money into circulation yet. After the approval of the design it will take several more years to organize the production of banknotes, so that the updated euros will not get into the wallets of citizens immediately.
They will be in use in parallel with the currently used banknotes of the first and second series, there will be no restrictions on the use of old-style euros.
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