The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled 10 finalist design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes, opening a public survey that lets residents across the eurozone and beyond weigh in on their favorite before a final decision expected by the end of 2026.
What Happened?
The ECB presented the 10 selected designs, each representing a full banknote series from €5 to €200, built around two possible unifying themes: “European Culture and Science” and “Rivers and Birds.” The designs were developed by up to 40 shortlisted graphic designers from across the EU, narrowed down by a competition jury to a maximum of 10 finalists, five for each theme. Notably, one of the “European Culture and Science” proposals features Polish Nobel Prize-winning scientist Maria Skłodowska-Curie (Marie Curie) on the €20 note.
Latest Update
The public survey allowing Europeans to rate the proposed designs is open until September 21, 2026, and is available in multiple languages, including Polish. ECB President Christine Lagarde said the redesign aims to make banknotes “more accessible to Europeans of different ages and backgrounds,” while also introducing advanced security features that make notes “harder to counterfeit and easier for everyone to check.” A final decision by the ECB’s Governing Council on which design will be adopted is expected by the end of 2026, though the actual production and rollout process is expected to take several more years.
Why Is This Trending in Poland?
The story has generated significant interest in Poland specifically because one of the finalist designs would put a Polish historical figure — Marie Skłodowska-Curie — on a euro banknote, a symbolically significant proposal given Poland’s status as an EU member that has not yet adopted the euro currency.
Key Details
- Number of finalist designs: 10 (5 for each of 2 themes)
- Themes: “European Culture and Science” and “Rivers and Birds”
- Notable feature: A proposed €20 note featuring Maria Skłodowska-Curie
- Public survey deadline: September 21, 2026
- Final decision: Expected by the end of 2026
- Rollout timeline: Several years after the final design is chosen
Why the Euro Is Getting a Redesign
The current euro banknote series, featuring abstract architectural motifs like arches and bridges, has been in circulation for over two decades. The ECB says the redesign process, which began in November 2023, is meant to better reflect European values and identity, improve ease of use and recognition for cash payments, and incorporate updated anti-counterfeiting security technology.
What Happens Next?
After the public survey closes on September 21, 2026, the ECB’s Governing Council will consider the public’s feedback alongside expert recommendations before making a final decision on the design by the end of the year. Existing euro banknotes will remain valid and in circulation even after the new series is introduced, and the actual transition is expected to take several years.
FAQs
Q: When will the new euro banknotes be released?
A final design decision is expected by the end of 2026, but the notes themselves are not expected to enter circulation for several more years after that.
Q: Will old euro banknotes stop being valid?
No, current euro banknotes are expected to remain valid and usable even after the new series is introduced.
Q: Why does a Polish figure appear on a proposed euro banknote?
One of the “European Culture and Science” theme designs features Marie Skłodowska-Curie, the Polish-French Nobel laureate, on a proposed €20 note.
Q: Can the public vote on the new euro banknote designs?
Yes, the ECB is running an online survey open until September 21, 2026, where residents across Europe can rate the proposed designs.
Q: What are the two design themes being considered?
“European Culture and Science” and “Rivers and Birds.”
