ECB unveils selected design concepts for new euro banknotes

TALLINN - The European Central Bank (ECB) on Thursday unveiled the design concepts for the next series of euro banknotes and launched a public survey, inviting people from all over Europe to give their feedback.

The design concepts are based on two different themes - "European Culture" and "Rivers and Birds" - and the motifs selected to illustrate them, the ECB announced.

"Euro banknotes are more than just a means of payment - they are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe. Through designs that blend beauty and meaning, they strengthen our common identity," noted ECB President Christine Lagarde.

The design proposals were selected through a design competition covering the entire European Union. Over 1,200 expressions of interest were submitted from graphic designers, of whom 25 were invited to create design concepts for one or both themes. An independent jury, composed of experts appointed by the euro area national central banks from various fields such as graphic design, communication, neuroscience, and history, selected ten design concepts from among them.

The ECB's Governing Council decided to organize an online survey, calling on all Europeans to express their opinion on these ten winning concepts. The public survey is open for participation until September 21. At the same time, an independent research company will conduct a survey with the same questions among a representative sample of euro area citizens.

The ECB will publish a report on the results of both surveys after the final design concept is selected. Public feedback is a key element of the Eurosystem's inclusive approach, ensuring that the views of people from all over Europe are taken into account.

The Governing Council is expected to make the final decision on the new design of the euro banknotes at the end of the year. The decision will be based on several aspects, including the conclusions of the design competition jury, a technical assessment, and the results of the two surveys.

Before being sent to production, the selected design will undergo development and testing. The new series of banknotes is scheduled to be put into circulation in the coming years. The previous series of euro banknotes will retain their value and will also remain in circulation alongside the new series. This is the first time since the introduction of euro banknotes in 2002 that their design will be completely changed.

"Changing the design of euro banknotes is part of the Eurosystem's long-term effort to ensure that cash remains a secure, efficient, and intrinsic means of payment, preserving citizens' access to public money and their freedom to choose their payment method," said ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone.

The regular issuance of new series allows for leveraging technological advancements to make the banknotes more counterfeit-proof. The new banknotes will have new and improved security features to simplify authenticity verification and usability, including for visually impaired people.

The ECB also aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the banknotes by increasing their durability and using more sustainable materials and production processes.