New euro banknotes are on the way. The euro banknotes we use every day could soon look very different. More than 20 years after the first euro notes entered circulation, the European Central Bank (ECB) has officially unveiled the shortlisted designs for a completely new generation of euro banknotes.
Here’s everything collectors and banknote enthusiasts need to know.
Why Are Euro Banknotes Changing?
The ECB periodically redesigns banknotes to:
- Improve anti-counterfeiting security.
- Make banknotes more accessible.
- Increase durability and sustainability.
- Better reflect European identity and values.
This will be the first complete redesign since the euro was introduced in 2002.
Source: European Central Bank | Eurosystem
The 10 designs participating
Two Possible Themes
After consulting experts and hundreds of thousands of Europeans, the ECB selected two finalists.
1. European Culture
This series would celebrate famous European figures and the continent’s shared cultural heritage.
Potential personalities include:
- Maria Callas
- Ludwig van Beethoven
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Marie Curie
- Miguel de Cervantes
The reverse side would feature libraries, museums, theatres and other cultural spaces.
2. Rivers and Birds
The second proposal focuses on nature.
Each denomination would feature different European birds and river landscapes, symbolising:
- Freedom
- Unity
- Biodiversity
- Sustainability
The reverse would include European institutions alongside natural scenery.
Vote for Your Favourite Future Euro Banknotes
For the first time, Europeans have the opportunity to help shape the future design of euro banknotes.
The European Central Bank has published all ten shortlisted proposals and opened an official public survey where anyone can explore the designs and vote for their favourites.
👉 Cast your vote here:
Official ECB Survey – Future Euro Banknotes
Voting is open until 21 September 2026, after which the ECB will review the results before selecting the final design expected later this year.
When Will the New Banknotes Enter Circulation?
Not immediately.
Even after the final design is chosen, the ECB must complete years of testing, security development and production before the new notes are issued.
Current euro banknotes will remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the new series for many years.
Will the Denominations Change?
No.
The current denominations are expected to remain:
- €5
- €10
- €20
- €50
- €100
- €200
The colours and sizes will also remain broadly similar to make the transition easier.
What Does This Mean for Collectors?
Every new banknote series becomes an important chapter in numismatic history.
For collectors, this redesign offers several exciting opportunities:
- First-day issue banknotes
- Special serial numbers
- Consecutive UNC sets
- New security features
- Future commemorative releases
At the same time, the current Europa Series could become increasingly sought after in pristine UNC condition once production eventually ends.
Final Thoughts
The redesign of the euro is much more than a cosmetic update. It combines enhanced security, sustainability and a fresh visual identity for Europe’s common currency.
Whether the final choice celebrates European culture or rivers and birds, collectors across the world will be eagerly waiting for the first new euro banknotes to enter circulation.
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