Photo: ECB / This image is part of a design project created by Mirsini Vardopoulou and was shortlisted by the ECB as a potential design option for the third series of euro banknotes.
On July 23, 2026, the ECB presented the ten final design proposals selected through a Europe-wide competition and launched an online vote that will run until September 21. The results of the vote, along with expert and technical evaluations, will be used by the ECB’s Governing Council to select the final design for the new series of banknotes.
The redesign is part of a long-term program to modernize cash. The new banknotes are intended to feature more advanced security features, be more accessible to people with visual impairments, and be produced using more environmentally friendly materials and technologies.
Two concepts are being proposed for selection. The first—”European Culture”—features images of prominent Europeans: Maria Callas on the €5 note, Ludwig van Beethoven (€10), Marie Skłodowska-Curie (€20), Miguel de Cervantes (€50), Leonardo da Vinci (€100), and Bertha von Suttner (€200). The reverse side of each banknote features scenes related to art, science, and culture. The second design concept—“Rivers and Birds”—is dedicated to Europe’s natural heritage: the front features various species of birds against a backdrop of river landscapes, while the reverse depicts images of European institutions.
“Euro banknotes are more than just a means of payment. They are one of the most tangible symbols of Europe,” said ECB President Christine Lagarde, noting that the new design should reflect shared European values and cultural heritage.
The ECB’s Governing Council expects to approve the final version of the banknotes by the end of 2026. After that, the design will undergo technical refinement and testing, so the new banknotes will not enter circulation for several years. Meanwhile, the current series of euro banknotes will retain its status as legal tender and will circulate alongside the new series.
