Future banknotes
After 20 years, it’s time to review the look of our banknotes to make them more relatable to Europeans of all ages and backgrounds.
The first euro banknotes were introduced on 1 January 2002.
Now, more than 20 years later, we are preparing for a future banknote series. The decision on when to launch the new series will be made at a later stage. Redesigning euro banknotes will be done with the help of the public and experts before the ECB’s Governing Council takes a final decision on the new theme and the designs.
Two possible themes selected for future euro banknotes
On 29 November 2023, the ECB’s Governing Council decided to move forward to the next stage of the redesign process for euro banknotes with two possible themes: “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”. The decision was based on the preferences of euro area citizens.
The redesign process
In December 2021, we announced our plans to redesign the euro banknotes. Have a look at the different steps in the process and find out how you can contribute before the final decision is taken.
Why do we need new banknotes?
We are developing new banknotes to ensure they will be even more secure, efficient, and sustainable.
The Eurosystem cash strategyListening to the public
In the summer of 2023 we carried out two surveys on the public’s preferences regarding the seven themes shortlisted by the Governing Council.
Take a look at the reportLOOKING FOR THE LATEST ON THE FUTURE BANKNOTES?