Euro banknotes, with a new "face" / ECB will launch them on the market from next year
The European Central Bank (ECB) has officially launched the process of renewing the aesthetics of euro banknotes. From 15 July to 18 August 2025, the ECB is inviting professional graphic designers from all member states to participate in a public competition, with the aim of completely renewing the visual identity of the European currency. This is the first such change since 2002, when the first banknotes with the theme "Era and Style" were launched, inspired by the architecture of Europe through windows, bridges and doors.
The ECB now believes that the time has come for a visual redefinition of the euro, a redefinition that better reflects modern Europe and its cultural diversity. As ECB President Christine Lagarde stated, “the euro is more than a currency; it is a symbol of Europe’s unity and diversity.”
Following a consultation process with experts and citizens, which began in 2021, two themes were selected that will form the basis for the redesign of the new banknotes: "European Culture" and "Rivers and Birds".
Topic 1: European Culture
This theme aims to highlight the monuments, historical figures, cultural practices and collective identity that have shaped European culture over the centuries. According to the ECB, the proposed content for each banknote is:
5 euros: The art of spectacle – Maria Callas, street artists present theater, dance and music to passersby.
10 euros: Music – Ludwig van Beethoven, children's choir sings at a music festival.
20 euros: Education – Marie Curie, teaching scene in a school or university with students and books.
50 euros: Library - Miguel de Cervantes, adults and children read in physical or digital form in a public library.
100 euros: Museums and Exhibitions – Leonardo da Vinci, adults and children admire works of art in modern exhibitions, or in nature.
200 euros: Public space – Bertha von Suttner (pacifist), citizens chatting and interacting in squares with trees and activities for children.
Topic 2: Rivers and Birds
The second theme focuses on Europe's natural ecosystem and aims to highlight the biodiversity and ecological sustainability of the continent's rivers and birds. It also promotes the message of environmental protection. The proposed design includes:
5 euros: Spring in a mountain landscape – Butterfly of the rocks, with the European Parliament in the background.
10 euros: Waterfall – Blue fisherman next to a stream of water, with the European Commission building.
20 euros: River with sandy bank – Bee-eater colony and ECB headquarters.
50 euros: Winding River – Stork in Flight, with reference to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
100 euros: Estuaries and wetlands – Avocets over wetlands, near the Council of the EU.
200 euros: Seascape – A flock of wild geese flying over the ocean, with the building of the European Court of Auditors.
The selection of the final designs will be done in two stages. Initially, interested designers must submit an application and a portfolio of professional qualifications. Those selected will move on to the second stage where they will be invited to submit full graphic design proposals. The projects will be evaluated by an international committee of design experts, who will select up to five designs per theme.
The final phase will then involve a public vote by EU citizens to determine the dominant theme and plan the official release of the new banknotes, expected to enter circulation in 2026.
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