The European Central Bank has released a shortlist of ten designs for the first complete redesign of euro banknotes since 2002. Europeans can now vote on the final look of the new euro notes, choosing between two clear themes: European birds and rivers, or iconic figures from European culture. Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, called the redesign a chance to strengthen shared identity.
“Euro banknotes are more than a means of payment—they are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe,” she said. “Through designs that combine beauty and meaning, they will reinforce our shared identity.” How the New Euro Banknote Themes Were Chosen A 2023 public survey received more than 365,000 responses. Two themes rose to the top: “rivers and birds” and “European culture.” Designers from across the European Union then submitted over 1,200 proposals.
A jury selected 25 artists who created the current shortlist of five designs for each theme. Public voting remains open until mid-September. After the final choice is made, the new euro banknotes will enter circulation gradually over several years.
Existing euro notes will stay valid and keep their full value. The redesign also improves security features to keep cash payments safer. European Culture Theme: Six Historic Figures on New Euro Notes The culture designs feature portraits of major European figures: €5: Maria Callas, the Greek-American opera singer known as “La Divina” €10: Ludwig van Beethoven, composer of the Ninth Symphony €20: Marie Curie, the Nobel Prize-winning Polish scientist who discovered radium and polonium €50: Miguel de Cervantes, Spanish author of Don Quixote €100: Leonardo da Vinci, Italian Renaissance polymath €200: Bertha von Suttner, Austrian writer and Nobel Peace Prize winner One official description explains that the portraits move beyond individual identity toward a shared human capacity for cultural production.
The reverse sides show contemporary cultural spaces where people of different ages and backgrounds meet and interact. Birds and Rivers Theme: Six European Species on New Euro Banknotes The nature designs highlight European birds in natural settings:Advertising1 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); €5: Scarlet wallcreeper in the mountains €10: Kingfisher beside a waterfall €20: Flock of bee-eaters €50: White stork flying over a meandering river va…
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