The ECB wants to decide on the design of the new euro banknotes by 2024. The opinion of private individuals should also be heard: A vote is now running until the end of August.
The euro monetary authorities want to take into account the opinion of private individuals in the common currency area when designing new euro banknotes. Europeans can express their views on topics for the next series on the website of the European Central Bank (ECB) until the end of August, as the central bank announced in Frankfurt.
“Our single currency and our common European identity are closely linked,” said ECB President Christine Lagarde. “We want people in Europe to be able to identify with the design of the euro banknotes.” They should therefore be able to actively participate in the selection of the new topic.
prevent counterfeiting and environmental impact limit
In order to ensure that opinions from all euro area countries are represented equally, an independent polling institute is running parallel to the survey on the ECB’s website. On behalf of the central bank, this should ask the same questions again to a representative group of people from the euro area.
In December 2021, the ECB initiated the process of redesigning the notes. According to the ECB website, it is their duty and task to ensure that euro banknotes remain an “innovative, secure and efficient means of payment” in the future. Central banks regularly develop new series of banknotes, for example to make counterfeiting more difficult.
“The aim is to prevent counterfeiting and reduce the environmental impact of the banknotes,” said ECB Executive Board member Fabio Panetta. For example, the bills should have a longer lifespan. In addition, the new banknotes are said to be more inclusive and appealing to all people in Europe, regardless of age or origin – including for vulnerable groups such as people with a visual impairment.
Decision on the subject by 2024
However, it will still be a few years before people hold the new bills in their hands. The ECB Governing Council intends to select the theme for the next generation of banknotes by 2024. A design competition will then take place. The citizens should then be asked again for their opinion.
The central bank is expected to make the final decision on the future design and timing of production and issue of the new banknotes in 2026. Experience has shown that it then takes another two to three years before the new notes come into circulation.
Unlike earlier national currencies, the motifs on the current euro banknotes are comparatively sober: buildings that don’t actually exist. The first euro banknotes were issued on January 1, 2002. Since May 2019, the second generation of euro notes has been complete with new security features.
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
European culture | Europe’s rich cultural heritage and its dynamic cultural and creative sectors reinforce European identity and our sense of belonging. Culture promotes common values, participation and dialogue in Europe and in the world. She brings people together. |
European values reflected in nature | Europe is the continent we live on. But it’s also an idea. The European Union is an organisation, but it also stands for values. This theme explores the importance of the European values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights as the building blocks of Europe and establishes a link between these values and our respect for nature and environmental protection. |
Rivers: Water of Life in Europe | The rivers in Europe flow across borders. They connect us to each other and to nature. They embody the steady stream and flow of a dynamic, ever-changing continent. Rivers nourish us and remind us of the deep origin of our life together. We, in turn, are responsible for ensuring that they are preserved. |
Hands: Together we build Europe | We are all familiar with hands, but no two pairs are alike. Hands built Europe and its physical infrastructure, created its artistic legacy and made its achievements possible. Hands build, weave, heal, teach, connect us and show us the way. Hands tell of work, old age and relationships, of heritage, history and culture. This theme brings into focus the hands that built Europe and continue to build it every day. |
You own the future | The ideas and innovations that will define the future of Europe are deeply rooted in each and every one of us. The motifs designed for this theme are those that embody this collective imagination through which we will build our future together. The theme represents the unlimited potential of Europeans. |
Our Europe, ourselves | We all grow up as individuals, but also as part of a community through our relationships with one another. We have our own stories and identities, but also a common identity as Europeans. This theme reflects the freedom, values and openness of the people of Europe. |
Birds: free, resilient, inspirational | Birds know no national borders and therefore stand for unrestricted mobility. Their nests remind us of our own desire to create places and societies where we can build secure futures. They also remind us that we share our continent with all life forms that ensure our common existence. |