Taking out a familiar banknote from your pocket during daily shopping, few people think that very soon the bills with denominations from 5 to 200 euros will completely change their appearance. Európska centrálna banka (ECB) (European Central Bank) is preparing the first large-scale visual reform of the euro in the currency's history, and every resident of the European Union can influence its outcome. Time to think is running out quickly, as the online survey closes on September 21, 2026.
Two main themes and a dozen best projects
The redesign process started long before today. Within the European competition selection, more than 1,200 graphic designers submitted their ideas. An independent expert council, which included 21 specialists from various fields from history to neuroscience, selected the ten strongest concepts.
All final options are divided into two thematic directions, previously approved by the public:
Európska kultúra (European culture): concepts focused on heritage, common values, and outstanding personalities. For example, denominations are illustrated with portraits of figures such as soprano Maria Callas (5 euros), composer Ludwig van Beethoven (10 euros), scientist Marie Curie (20 euros), writer Miguel de Cervantes (50 euros), artist Leonardo da Vinci (100 euros), or activist Bertha von Suttner (200 euros).
Rieky a vtáky (Rivers and birds): nature without borders as a symbol of freedom and unity of Europeans. Here, banknotes represent river flows and birds of the European region—from mountain springs and wood ants on smaller denominations to the sea coast and white stork or northern gannet on higher-value bills.
Besides the original message on the SME portal, project details are also thoroughly covered by specialized resources such as the official explanation on the European Central Bank website.
Why new money is needed
Changing the generation of banknotes is not just an aesthetic whim. The current series has been in circulation for decades, so the main goals of the update are:
Security: introduction of the latest security features that will significantly complicate counterfeiters' work and maintain trust in cash.
Inclusiveness: improving visual and tactile recognition of banknotes so that people with normal or impaired vision can use them without problems.
Environmental friendliness: optimizing production processes to reduce environmental impact.
By the way, if you are interested in financial issues, exchange rates, or calculations in euros, useful information can be found in our currency converter.
What will happen next and when to expect new bills
Voting on the official ECB website is ongoing in real time, while an independent research company is conducting a representative survey among eurozone citizens to ensure the opinion is as balanced as possible.
When the questionnaires are processed, the final decision will be made by the Rada guvernérov (Governing Council) of the European Central Bank—approximately at the end of 2026. However, there is no need to rush to ATMs immediately: after the design is approved, a long stage of technical development, equipment adjustment, and production will begin. Old banknotes will remain fully legal tender and will be gradually withdrawn from circulation.
