ECB marks year-end for design decision on new euro banknotes

In the statement made by the ECB, it was stated that the bank is expected to make its decision on the final design concept by the end of this year.

When determining the final design, the results of the public survey held between July 23 and September 21, 2026, in which approximately 10 million people participated, will be taken into account.

Two-thirds of the survey participants were under the age of 35.

In her assessment of the issue, ECB President Christine Lagarde said, "This extraordinary participation shows the interest of Europeans in the banknotes they will use in the future." he said.

10 different suggestions were voted for the design under two main themes: "European Culture" and "Rivers and Birds".

Names such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Marie Curie stand out in the "European Culture" theme, while the nature ecosystem and EU institutions are discussed in the "Rivers and Birds" theme.

The new generation of euro banknotes will be equipped with advanced security features that will make counterfeiting more difficult.

The aim of production is to reduce the damage to the environment, extend the life of banknotes and increase accessibility for the visually impaired.

Existing euro banknotes will remain valid with the new series. The euro is currently used as a common currency by approximately 358 million people in 21 EU countries.