The European Central Bank (ECB) has begun the final stage of renewing euro banknotes, unveiling design proposals for a new series aimed at modernizing currency in circulation. This update follows the common practice of central banks regularly refreshing notes to deter counterfeiting, with the first series introduced over 20 years ago and the second in 2013.
Ten design proposals, chosen by an independent jury from over 1,200 submissions, are now open for public feedback via an online survey until September 21, 2026. The competing themes are 'European Culture,' featuring historical figures, and 'Rivers and Birds,' inspired by biodiversity.
Notes from the new series will enter circulation in the coming years, while previous series will retain their value and continue circulating alongside the new ones. The selected design will undergo further development and testing before production begins.
