European Central Bank initiates major euro banknote redesign

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a public consultation process to redesign euro banknotes, marking the first complete aesthetic overhaul since the currency's introduction in 2002. Citizens are invited to participate in an online survey until September 21, choosing from ten proposed designs based on two primary themes: European culture and Rivers and birds. The proposals were selected following a pan-European competition involving over 1,200 graphic designers.

The proposed banknote designs feature iconic figures representing European heritage. Specific figures include Maria Callas on the 5-euro note, Ludwig van Beethoven on the 10-euro note, Marie Curie on the 20-euro note, Miguel de Cervantes on the 50-euro note, Leonardo da Vinci on the 100-euro note, and Bertha von Suttner on the 200-euro note. Notably, the 500-euro banknote is excluded from the new series, as the ECB is proceeding with its permanent and gradual withdrawal from circulation.

Following the conclusion of the public consultation on September 21, the ECB will finalize its decision on the new series. While AlphaNews notes that the 500-euro note is being phased out, OmegaLive adds that the note will stop being printed entirely once the public consultation process finishes in late September.