First time in 23 years, the European Central Bank will change the design of the euro banknotes.
The possible themes seen in the new designs would likely include cultural icons including German composer Ludwig van Beethoven as well as birds and rivers. The objective is to create more engaging and accessible banknotes since the present designs features nameless windows and spans.
Designers will have two options: one concentrating on European cultural figures and another on birds, rivers, and European institutions.
Notable Europeans could be shown on the front of the six euro notes in the first alternative: Greek opera singer Maria Callas, Beethoven, Polish-French scientist Marie Curie, Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci, and Austrian peace activist Bertha von Suttner. This choice might still provoke argument given that it covers just six of the twenty euro area countries.
On the back would be featured points of interest like a concert or library along with cultural activities.
European institutions like the ECB could be highlighted on the back of the second set of designs, which alternatively could highlight birds and rivers.
This year, the ECB will unveil the design competition, and the last design choice will be made in 2026. The new notes, however, will only be distributed several years down.
