ECB calls on Europeans to vote on new euro banknote designs

ECB publishes design proposals

The European Central Bank (ECB) has revealed ten selected design proposals for the next euro banknote series and launched a public consultation. Citizens across Europe are invited to share their views online until September 21, 2026.

The proposals are based on two themes: "European Culture" and "Rivers and Birds." Each theme features five motifs. ECB President Christine Lagarde stated that banknotes are not only a means of payment but also a tangible expression of European identity.

Selection process

The designs were chosen through an EU-wide competition involving over 1,200 graphic designers. Twenty-five were invited to develop proposals, of which an independent jury of 21 experts from various fields selected ten.

The public survey is accompanied by a separate representative survey of eurozone residents conducted by an independent research firm. Results will be published after the final decision.

Next steps

The ECB Governing Council will decide on the final design by the end of 2026, based on the jury's conclusions, technical assessment, and survey results. The chosen design will then be refined and tested. New banknotes will enter circulation in the coming years, while old ones will remain valid. This is the first complete redesign of euro banknotes since 2002.

New notes will feature improved anti-counterfeiting elements, greater accessibility (including for the visually impaired), and more sustainable materials.

Context in Latvia

Jānis Blūms from the Bank of Latvia noted that this is the first time Latvian residents can vote on euro banknote design, as Latvia joined the eurozone in 2014. He emphasized that the survey symbolizes democracy and the future of cash. According to a February 2026 survey by Latvijas Fakti, 68% of Latvian residents had made cash payments in the past week.