Public engagement in currency design
Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, has initiated a public vote to decide the future design of euro banknotes. This is the first major redesign since the introduction of the single currency in 2002. Ten options are up for selection, divided evenly between cultural themes and wildlife imagery, each offering unique visual approaches.
The cultural designs showcase notable figures such as the Greek soprano Maria Callas, the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, and the Polish-French scientist Marie Curie. Meanwhile, the wildlife-themed designs focus on species like the bee-eater and the white stork. These 10 proposals were selected from 1,241 submissions, many coming from designers not traditionally involved in creating banknotes. Some of the chosen designs look unlike typical paper money found in other parts of the world.
Design choices reflect a European identity
The ECB’s new design initiative aims to build a stronger connection to Europe through the updated banknotes. Philippe Geoffroy, who leads the new banknote project at the ECB, said that the public clearly wants a currency that feels distinctly European. Since 2013, the current euro notes have maintained a neutral aesthetic, avoiding any preference for specific countries. Features like generic bridges and doorways were used to symbolize architectural heritage without referencing any real European landmarks.
The redesigned notes, in contrast, are intended to break the mold of neutrality. By selecting cultural figures who represent a broader European identity, the ECB hopes to move beyond individual nations and focus on shared heritage. The effort is to showcase icons whose influence stretches beyond borders, reflecting a pan-European perspective.
Timeline and decision-making process
The public survey will remain open until September 21. The ECB will use this feedback, along with the results of a second quantitative survey and the opinions of a panel of design experts, to choose the final design. It is unlikely that both cultural and wildlife themes will be combined. The newly chosen design will be printed and ready for circulation between 2030 and 2031.
Creative diversity in the design proposals
The 10 shortlisted proposals show a wide range of creative expressions. For example, Dutch book designer Joost Grootens has focused on the eyes of cultural figures, highlighting their vision rather than their fame. German illustrator Jan Robert Dünnwelle has presented the same personalities in a style reminiscent of comic books, with loose, flowing lines. French artist Isabelle Daëron has taken a vertical approach in her wildlife-themed designs, while Finnish graphic designer Ville Tietäväinen has illustrated a bird’s journey from the mountains to the sea, in sequence.
These proposals reflect a deliberate effort to break away from traditional banknote aesthetics. The ECB wants the new euro to be visually dynamic, and the designers have responded with innovative, bold ideas. The final choice will balance creativity with practicality, ensuring the designs are secure and recognizable.
A political and cultural debate emerges
The redesign of the euro has sparked a broader conversation about Europe’s identity and values. Some critics argue that the choice between cultural and wildlife themes reflects a struggle to find common ground in a continent increasingly divided by political and social differences. The ECB, however, insists its main goal is to enhance security against counterfeiting, while also reinforcing the euro as a symbol of shared European heritage.
This issue has drawn parallels with the recent redesign of British banknotes, where the Bank of England faced criticism for opting for wildlife motifs over historical figures. In contrast, the ECB sees the new euro notes as a step toward a more unified, pan-European identity. While the current designs have been intentionally neutral, the new proposals aim to shift the currency into a space that feels more connected to European history and culture.
Balancing representation across Europe
A key aspect of the cultural theme is the inclusion of figures from various parts of the eurozone. The lineup includes icons from countries such as Greece, Germany, and Austria, with efforts made to represent a diverse range of backgrounds. However, critics have pointed out that the Baltics are notably underrepresented. The cultural figures chosen are also selected for their transnational significance, meaning they are not tied to a specific nationality.
Maria Callas, for example, was born in New York but made her career in Greece and Italy. Her inclusion in the proposal reflects the complex identities of many European figures who, through work or heritage, belong to multiple cultures. This deliberate focus on universal cultural figures is intended to resonate with people across the continent.
Looking ahead
While the public survey is the first stage in the selection process, it is only one of several factors the ECB will consider. The jury of designers and the quantitative survey will provide additional perspectives. Ultimately, the ECB wants the final design to capture both the spirit of Europe and the practical needs of modern currency. As the deadline for feedback draws closer, the public will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the euro.
The new euro notes are not expected to be in everyday use until 2030 or 2031. Until then, the ECB will analyze the survey results, refine the proposals, and ensure the selected design is secure, visually striking, and representative of a unified Europe. This process reflects the broader challenge of building a cohesive identity for a continent that is as diverse as it is interconnected.