After more than two decades to use the same notes, the European Central Bank (ECB) is completing the redesign process of Euro notes. Since its introduction in 2002, the notes have kept the same look, but will soon have a new image. The President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, explained the need for this change: “After 20 years, the time has come to review the design of our notes, so as to have greater significance to Europeans of all ages and origins.”
What changes?
With this update, the ECB intends to modernize the design of the notes and make them more representative of the European diversity and identity. In addition, the new generation of notes will continue to bet on safety and accessibility for all citizens.
According to Christine Lagarde, “we want to ensure that Euro notes remain available and accessible and remain a safe and efficient payment means.” The official also underlines that it is intended to make them more sustainable, stating that “we also want the notes to be as sustainable and respectful of the environment as possible. Therefore, we are analyzing your environmental footprint. ” To reduce the ecological impact, the ECB is studying new materials and production processes.
The ECB recognizes that Euro notes and currencies play an essential role in the European economy, not only as a means of payment, but also as an instrument of financial inclusion. As Christine Lagarde underlines, “Euro notes and currencies have a legal course in the euro area. They are an important element of their freedom to choose how to make payments and are essential for the financial inclusion of all groups in society. ”
With regard to the new design, the ECB is analyzing two main topics, as you can read in:
- Iconic figures of European history
- Elements of European Biodiversity
If the first option is chosen, the new notes may present faces of great personalities that marked European culture, science and history. Suggested names are Ludwig Van Beethoven, Marie Curie, Maria Callas, Miguel de Cervantes and Leonardo da Vinci. The idea would be to include the image of the figure on one side of the note and, on the back, a symbol related to its legacy.
The second option proposes a design inspired by the European nature, with images of typical species of the continent, such as the Martim-Pestor, the Room Tree, or the bee. On the back, representations of emblematic buildings of the European Union could emerge, such as the European Parliament, the European Commission or the ECB itself.
To ensure that the new notes reflect the identity of the European population, the ECB is conducting a public consultation process. It involves not only experts, but also citizens of eurozone countries, who can give their opinion on the new proposals.
After the final design has been chosen, the ECB provides for a new contest at the end of the year to define the form and details of the notes. There is no exact date for its introduction yet, but the final decision on new models is expected to be made in 2026.
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