The European Central Bank is looking for a new design for Euro banknotes, with possible topics that include major cultural figures, such as German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, or birds and rivers.
The first reformulation of euro notes since its release 23 years ago has been designed to make them more attractive and related. Currently, they have unnamed bridges and windows.
Designers can choose between two alternative themes of themes: European culture or a combination of European rivers, birds and institutions.
In the first case, the fronts of the six euro notes will present famous Europeans.
In increasing order of the value of the ballot, they are: Greek opera singer Maria Callas, Beethoven, Polish-French scientist Marie Curie, Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci and Austrian pacifist activist Bertha Von Suttner.
These names, proposed by a group of independent experts and then chosen by the ECB, can be controversial, as only six of the 20 eurozone countries are represented.
The reverse side will present events or cultural facilities, such as a music festival or a library.
The alternative theme will present birds and rivers in front of banknotes, and European institutions, including the ECB itself, on the back.
The ECB will open the contest this year and select the design in 2026, although the new banknotes only enter circulation several years later.
