Marie Curie or Marie Skłodowska? The debate between France and Poland about the legacy of the famous scientist is being rekindled with a proposal to include an image of his in the new 20 euros note.
A new design of the Euro notes is rekindling an old dispute between France and Poland over identity and Legacy of scientist Marie Curieborn Maria Skłodowska in Warsaw, in 1867.
The proposal of the European Central Bank (ECB) to include the winner of two Nobel Prizes in the New 20 euros note It generated criticism in Polish territory, particularly due to the way its name appears in the sketches presented.
The scientist, who later moved to France and married also scientist Pierre Curie, became known worldwide as Marie Curie. However, in life, Used several versions of your nameincluding SKłodowska-Curie, especially during the wedding. Later, he often used the signature “M. Curie”.
For many Polacos, the omission of the birth nickname “Skłodowska” or its relegation to a reference in parentheses is more than a formal detail: it is a Poland contribution contribution for European science and culture. The theme gained strength when it turned out that historical figures such as Miguel de Cervantes or Ludwig van Beethoven maintained their original names in the versions of notes in different languages, refers to.
Before the controversy, the ECB replied that it is aware of the complexity of the question and ensured that it is consulting several historical and linguistic sources to determine the most appropriate form of name presentation. A spokesman clarified that the reference “Marie Curie (Née Skłodowska)” aims to reflect the scientist’s dual identity, recognizing both his polacal roots and his French path.
The proposal of the new series of grades comes under the announcement made by the Council of the ECB in January, in which the two finalist themes were revealed for the new design of the notes: “Rivers and Birds” and “European Culture”. If the proposal “European culture” is chosen by the public vote and a jury evaluation, the image of SKłodowska-Curie may even appear in the new 20 euros note, portrayed in a room full of books, to teach.
However, the final decision on the new designs will only be taken in 2026and its entry into circulation will occur years later. The current euro notes will remain valid even after the introduction of the new series.
