European Central Bank seeks designers for new euro banknotes

In January, the council also selected motifs to illustrate the two possible themes. For European culture, they chose iconic European personalities who have contributed to building the continent’s cultural heritage to appear on the front of the notes, and they include Maria Callas, Ludwig van Beethoven, Marie Curie and Leonardo da Vinci. The reverse of these notes will feature European cultural activities and spaces such as libraries, schools and festivals.

If the rivers and birds theme is selected, the front of the new notes will feature kingfishers, storks and gannets. The reverse will feature images of EU institutions, including the EU parliament and commission.

The contest is open to graphic designers residing in the European Union and will proceed in two phases: an application phase and a design proposal phase. During the application phase, designers must meet the specific requirements listed in the contest notice. 

Selected designers will be invited to participate in the second phase and submit their design proposals. A group of independent experts, the design contest jury, will evaluate the proposals and select up to five per theme. The jury includes individuals from across the EU and includes National College of Art and Design head of communication design John Paul Dowling.

The process is open to applications until August 18. The Governing Council’s decision on the final design is expected by the end of 2026 following a public survey. However, it is likely to be some years before the new notes enter circulation.

“The euro is more than a currency — it symbolises European unity and diversity. Through this contest, we invite designers across Europe to shape the future of our banknotes to reflect our shared cultural identity and natural heritage,” said ECB president Christine Lagarde.