The ECB is making preparations for issuing a new series of euro banknotes. After taking the decision to not only upgrade the security features of the new series of banknotes, but also to give them a new look, the Governing Council of the ECB yesterday selected the motifs to illustrate the two possible themes for future euro banknotes: “European culture: shared cultural spaces” and “Rivers and birds: resilience in diversity”. The decision is built on an inclusive process involving feedback from public surveys and groups of experts.
“European culture” focuses on shared cultural spaces and iconic European personalities chosen with regard to the major mark that they have left on their fields of work. “Rivers and birds” highlights the resilience and diversity of the natural world, while European institutions are featured on the reverse side.
Table 1: Selected motifs for European culture: shared cultural spaces
| Front | Reverse |
€5 | Maria Callas | Street performers (music/dance/theatre) entertaining passersby |
€10 | Ludwig van Beethoven | A song festival with a choir of children and young adults singing |
€20 | Marie Curie | A school or university with a female teacher with young students. There are notebooks and books on the tables |
€50 | Miguel de Cervantes | A library with some adults reading paper and digital books. A little boy and girl in front of a bookcase trying to get a book |
€100 | Leonardo da Vinci | Adults and children admiring some examples of street art, contemporary art, etc. |
€200 | Bertha von Suttner | A tree-covered square allowing people to come together, with adults and children talking, walking, playing, etc. |
Table 2: Selected motifs for Rivers and birds: resilience in diversity
| Front | Reverse |
€5 | Mountain spring | European Parliament |
€10 | Waterfall | European Commission |
€20 | Confined river valley | European Central Bank |
€50 | Meandering river | Court of Justice of the European Union |
€100 | River mouth | European Council and Council of the European Union |
€200 | Seascape | European Court of Auditors |
The next steps will see the establishment of a jury and the launch of a design contest, which will be open to designers from across the EU. In 2026 the public will be able to participate in the final selection of the designs. The ECB is expected to make the final decision on the designs in 2026. The new banknotes will be ready to enter circulation some years after this decision, following the production process.
More information can be found on the ECB website.
“European culture” and “Rivers and birds” as potential themes for future euro banknotes