FAQ on the redesign of euro banknotes

Updated on 15 July 2025

Q1 Why do we need new banknotes?

All central banks regularly upgrade their banknotes or develop new ones to deter counterfeiters. The first series of euro banknotes was introduced over 20 years ago and the second series started entering into circulation in 2013. We are now in the process of developing the future euro banknotes. This is an opportunity to make our banknotes more attractive, relatable and inclusive for all Europeans, including people with a visual impairment.

We also want euro banknotes to be as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible, so we are looking at opportunities to reduce their environmental impact.

Q2 Why do we need a new design for the banknotes?

Euro banknotes are a visible and tangible symbol of European integration and it is our responsibility to keep them up to date. More than 20 years since the introduction of the first euro banknotes, we are now reviewing their design as part of a regular development process. In line with the Eurosystem cash strategy, we aim to develop attractive euro banknotes that European citizens can identify with.

Q3 Why now? Is this the right time to develop a new banknote series?

It takes several years to develop, produce and put new banknotes into circulation throughout the euro area. New banknotes are usually put into circulation every ten to fifteen years to enhance security and resilience and stay ahead of counterfeiters. It is important to start the process early enough to be ready once a decision is made to launch a new series.

Q4 How does the redesign process for the new banknotes work?

The redesign of euro banknotes consists of two consecutive phases:

1. Selecting future themes and motifs for euro banknotes.
   1. We commissioned a study to consult European citizens in focus groups about their views on possible future themes. The results served as input for the subsequent steps.
   2. The ECB’s Governing Council shortlisted seven themes, including six proposals from the Theme Advisory Group (a group of experts nominated by the national central banks of the Eurosystem and appointed by the ECB).
   3. European citizens were given the opportunity to express their views on the seven shortlisted themes in a survey conducted by an external research company in all euro area countries and in an online survey conducted by the ECB.
   4. From the shortlist, the Governing Council chose two possible themes for future banknotes, taking into account the results of the surveys.
   5. The ECB’s Governing Council then selected motifs to illustrate the possible themes from proposals developed by the Motifs Advisory Group (a group of experts established by the ECB).
2. Developing new designs for euro banknotes
   1. After the ECB’s Governing Council selected the possible new themes and motifs, a design contest was launched.
   2. European citizens will be given the opportunity to express their opinions on a number of designs in 2026.
   3. The Governing Council is expected to decide on the new design in late 2026.

For more information, take a look at the redesign process webpage.

Q5 Why did you select “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” as the possible themes for future banknotes?

We are listening to the views of European citizens throughout the redesign process. The themes were selected on the basis of the findings of public surveys (see Q11) and with the assistance of an independent advisory group.

The results of our latest surveys showed strong support for the themes of “European culture”, “Rivers: the waters of life in Europe” and “Birds: free, resilient, inspiring”. In order to reflect the public’s preferences as broadly as possible, the Governing Council decided to combine the nature and environment-related themes into a single theme, “Rivers and birds”. We are therefore moving forward with two themes: “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”.

Q6 How did you decide on the motifs for the future banknotes?

In 2024 the ECB tasked an independent expert group, the Motifs Advisory Group, to propose motifs that best illustrate the selected themes. The members of the Group are experts on various subjects related to the two themes. At the beginning of 2025, on the basis of the Group’s advice and its own deliberations, the Governing Council decided to include both of the selected themes and a set of motifs for each of them in the design contest.

Q7 What is the timeline for the design contest?

The design contest, launched on 15 July 2025, will be in two phases.

1. In the first phase, graphic designers residing in the European Union are invited to submit their applications by 12:00 CET on 18 August. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the evaluation. The aim is to select up to 40 designers (20 per theme).
2. In the second phase, the selected designers will have around five months to submit their design proposals for assessment by the Design Contest Jury. The contest will conclude with the Design Contest Jury’s selection of up to ten designs (five per theme).

The Governing Council is expected to make the final decision on the designs by the end of 2026, following a public survey.

Q8 Who can participate in the design contest and how?

The design contest is open to graphic designers resident in the European Union who meet the eligibility criteria. For detailed information on who can participate and how, please refer to the official contest documentation.

Q9 How were the members of the different expert groups selected?

To assist in the various phases of the redesign process, three independent expert groups were established: the Theme Advisory Group, the Motifs Advisory Group and the Design Contest Jury. These groups consist of specialists from across Europe, representing diverse fields such as design, history, literature, science, the arts and academia, ensuring a broad range of expertise and perspectives. The experts were nominated by national central banks of the Eurosystem and appointed by the European Central Bank.

Q10 When will we have banknotes with a new design in our pockets?

After the design of the future euro banknotes has been selected, the ECB’s Governing Council will make a decision on when to produce and issue the new banknotes. It will then take several years for the first banknotes to enter into circulation and end up in our pockets.

The different denominations of the current series of euro banknotes were introduced gradually over a number of years. No decision has been made yet on when and how the future euro banknotes will be put into circulation.

Q11 What is the public’s role in the redesign process?

All euro area citizens can take part in our public surveys. It is very important to us that the decisions taken throughout the process take the opinions of a wide array of Europeans into account.

We started the process with a qualitative survey conducted in the euro area to understand people’s views on the theme of the future euro banknotes. Then, in the summer of 2023, we invited the public to take part in an online survey on possible themes. In parallel, we commissioned an external research company to conduct a similar survey aimed at ensuring the best possible representation of the euro area’s population.

After the selection of motifs and the design contest, we will gauge the public’s preferences on a shortlist of possible designs. This is expected to take place in 2026.

Q12 Will the materials or the size of future banknotes change in the redesign process, and will new denominations be featured?

The current euro banknotes are printed on cotton fibre paper, which gives them their special crispness and wear-and-tear resistance. We are constantly exploring ways to improve the lifespan and reduce the environmental footprint of our banknotes.

We intend to have the same denominations as the current series (€5, €10, €20, €50, €100 and €200). To facilitate the changeover and limit the costs of adapting banknote handling machines, the sizes and dominant colours are also likely to remain the same.

Q13 Who will decide on the final theme and designs?

The final decision will be made by the ECB’s Governing Council, taking into account the views of the European public and the advice of expert groups. The Governing Council’s decisions will be announced on the ECB’s website.

Q14 Will vulnerable groups be consulted in the redesign process (e.g. people with a visual impairment)?

The ECB and the national central banks of the Eurosystem are in regular contact with various stakeholder groups. For example, during the development of the existing euro banknote series we held regular consultations with the European Blind Union. Such consultations have continued since then and will continue throughout the redesign process.