Shortlisted themes include “European culture” and “rivers and birds” as the ECB seeks public feedback before choosing a final design by year-end for its first full euro note redesign since 2002.
The European Central Bank unveiled 10 shortlisted designs for a new generation of euro-area banknotes and will gather public feedback until Sept. 21 before selecting a winner by the end of the year. The proposals are grouped under the themes “European culture” and “rivers and birds,” with figures such as Maria Skłodowska Curie, Ludwig van Beethoven and Leonardo da Vinci featured in one set, while another highlights birds including the kingfisher and white stork. It is the first complete redesign of euro notes since they were first issued in 2002. The ECB said the reverse sides will depict scenes of nature or public life linked to art, science or leisure, and that the new banknotes will take several years to enter circulation after a final design is chosen. Existing banknotes will keep their value and continue circulating alongside the new series.