1,200 designers submit proposals for new euro banknote designs

The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to redesign euro banknotes, more than two decades after their introduction, citing advances in security technology, improved paper and ink, and shifting societal values. Designer Anne Pikkov, who represented Estonia on the jury conducting the pre-selection, explained the reasoning behind the initiative.

According to Pikkov, the original banknote series was built around a shared theme of European architecture and heritage. This time, the ECB wanted to assess whether those visuals still resonate with Europeans or whether new unifying elements are needed.

Two themes, open creative freedom

The competition offered two possible themes — "European Culture" and "Birds and Rivers" — but beyond that, designers had complete creative freedom. In total, 1,200 designers from across Europe submitted proposals, including five from Estonia, though none of them advanced to the final round.

The jury included not only designers but also psychologists and neuroscientists, who evaluated factors such as numeral size, color intensity, and how depicted figures should represent particular fields of achievement. While previous banknotes featured objects, the new designs are intended to depict the European person — their skills and accomplishments.

For the bird theme, a requirement was that species must migrate between European countries. For the river theme, designers were free to depict rapids, puddles, rain, or even ice crystals.

Public given a say

A public vote is currently underway, allowing anyone to indicate which design directions they favor; the results will help shape the ECB's final decision.

Pikkov noted that despite the rise of digital payments, cash has not been displaced — about half of all transactions in Europe are still made using banknotes. Existing banknotes will remain in circulation, with the new designs simply added alongside them rather than replacing them outright.