ECB invites Europeans to help choose the next euro banknotes, with a Tuscan touch

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a public survey on the future design of euro banknotes, marking the first complete redesign of the common currency since it entered circulation in 2002. The online survey is open to everyone worldwide until 21 September 2026, allowing anyone to vote for their favourite designs before the ECB’s Governing Council makes its final decision later this year.

The ten finalist designs are divided into two themes: “European Culture” and “Rivers and Birds”. The cultural series celebrates shared artistic and intellectual heritage through historic figures and public spaces such as schools, libraries, museums and theatres, while the second theme combines European river landscapes with native bird species and images of EU institutions.

This image is part of design proposal F, created by Jan Robert Dünnweller, and has been shortlisted by the ECB as a potential design for the third euro banknote series. An independent jury selected it as part of a design contest run by the ECB from Summer 2025 to Summer 2026, during which designers across the EU were invited to create design proposals for the themes “European Culture” or “Rivers and birds”. Copyright: European Central Bank 2026 Conditions of use The images depict design proposals for possible future euro banknotes. They do not depict issued euro banknotes and must not be presented as final or approved future designs. The images are protected by intellectual property rights and are made available for information, editorial, educational and news-reporting purposes only. Unless expressly authorised in writing by the European Central Bank, the images may not be: used for commercial, advertising, promotional or merchandising purposes, including on clothing, products, packaging or other goods or services; altered, adapted, incorporated into other designs or used to create derivative works; used in a manner suggesting endorsement, sponsorship or association by the European Central Bank or the Eurosystem; used in a misleading, deceptive, unlawful or offensive context; or used in any manner that may adversely affect the reputation, interests or rig.

A Florentine connection

Among the proposed designs, the €100 banknote offers a direct link to Tuscany. It features Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance artist, scientist and engineer born in the town of Vinci, about 40 kilometres west of Florence. Leonardo trained in Florence in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio before becoming one of the most influential figures in European art and science.

His inclusion highlights Florence’s enduring contribution to Europe’s cultural identity and reflects the city’s role as one of the birthplaces of the Renaissance.

Public vote before the final decision

More than 1,200 designers initially applied to take part in the competition, with 25 shortlisted to develop proposals. An independent jury of experts in graphic design, communication, neuroscience and history selected the ten finalists.

The ECB is now inviting the public to express its preferences through an online survey. A parallel poll of a representative sample of euro-area citizens will also be conducted by an independent research company. The results of both consultations will inform the Governing Council’s final decision, alongside the jury’s recommendations and technical assessments.

The selected design will undergo further refinement and testing before production begins. The ECB says the new banknotes will incorporate enhanced anti-counterfeiting features, improved accessibility for visually impaired users and more sustainable materials. Existing euro banknotes will remain valid and continue to circulate alongside the new series after its introduction.

(Cover photo: ECB by Thomas Wolf via Wikipedia)

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