Eurozone unveils competing designs for new banknotes, pitting culture against wildlife

The European Central Bank, led by Christine Lagarde, has unveiled ten shortlisted designs for the euro’s first paper-money redesign since its launch in 2002, dividing the proposals into cultural and wildlife themes. The cultural set showcases personalities such as soprano Maria Callas, composer Ludwig van Beethoven, scientist Marie Curie, author Miguel de Cervantes, Leonardo da Vinci and pacifist Bertha von Suttner, each paired with scenes of artistic activity.

The wildlife alternatives depict birds—including the wallcreeper, kingfisher, bee-eater, white stork, avocet and northern gannet—set against typical European landscapes. Over six million citizens have voted in an online survey that closes on 21 September, but a later quantitative poll and a designers’ jury will also weigh in before a final decision is made at the end of 2026. The redesign, driven by anti-counterfeiting needs, also seeks to give the single currency a more recognizable European character. The notes will remain paper-based and are expected to enter circulation in 2030 or 2031, featuring complementary images of EU institutions in Brussels, Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Frankfurt on the reverse side.