ECB Redesigns Euro Banknotes with a Message to Europeans: Cash Is Here to Stay

The euro is set for its first major visual transformation, as the European Central Bank (ECB) moves ahead with plans for a new generation of banknotes designed to look more familiar, strengthen security and create a closer connection with European citizens.

The proposals, unveiled by the ECB in July, represent the first substantial visual break from the banknotes that Europeans have carried since the introduction of the single currency. The new designs replace the current abstract imagery with recognisable people, buildings, birds and natural landscapes, while incorporating enhanced security features.

"We are underway with the first complete visual overhaul of euro banknotes, with new themes, motifs and designs, with the aim of bringing the future banknotes even closer to Europeans," ECB banknotes director Doris Schneeberger said.

Two broad concepts have emerged from the final design proposals. One focuses on European culture, featuring individuals who have made significant contributions to art, music, science and literature. The second centres on nature, with rivers and birds forming the main visual elements.

The ECB has now opened a public survey allowing citizens to express their preference between the two themes. The final choice will be announced in December 2026. However, Europeans will have to wait several more years before the redesigned notes begin appearing in their wallets. A source in the banking sector said their introduction could come as late as 2029.

Schneeberger said the public response to the consultation had already been substantial, with "millions of Europeans" having taken part.

The redesign is also intended to send a broader message at a time when cash payments are steadily losing ground to cards and other electronic methods, while concerns are growing that the planned digital euro could eventually replace physical money.

Cash remains part of the future

The ECB is using the redesign to underline its commitment to maintaining banknotes as an important form of public money.

"No one would renovate a house that is planned to be torn down in the near future," Schneeberger said, drawing a comparison between the investment in new banknotes and the idea that cash might soon disappear.

Public money is money issued by a central bank. For individuals, this includes physical forms such as banknotes and coins, while commercial banks hold reserves at the central bank. It is regarded as "public" because it is created and supported by a public institution.

This differs from private money, which is primarily created by commercial banks. Most of the money people use in everyday life is private money held in bank accounts, including current and savings deposits, and used for transactions such as bank transfers and card payments.

At the same time, the ECB is preparing for the possible introduction of the digital euro, a new electronic form of public money that could become available from 2029.

The central bank wants to counter the idea that the digital euro is intended to eliminate cash. Instead, it says the two forms of money would coexist and give people greater choice over how they pay.

"We are committed to ensuring that paying with public money is always an option, be it with cash or with a digital euro. A digital euro would complement cash and not replace it. All Europeans will continue to have the freedom of choice how to pay — be it with cash, the digital euro, or another means of payment," Schneeberger said.

Only one major redesign since the euro's launch

The euro's banknotes have undergone only one significant redesign since the currency was introduced. Although the so-called Europa series was gradually brought into circulation between 2013 and 2019, the basic visual concept remained largely unchanged.

"Since their first issuance in 2002, the theme represented by euro banknotes was 'Ages and styles,' symbolised by windows, doorways and bridges. While they received a refreshed design with the Europa series, which was first issued from 2013 to 2019, the overall visual approach stayed the similar," Schneeberger said.

The current notes use images of fictional architectural monuments rather than actual landmarks. According to Schneeberger, the new approach is intended to replace those abstract representations with imagery that Europeans can more readily recognise and relate to.

The objective is to create banknotes that people across different generations can identify with and feel a sense of connection and pride in using.

"With the design proposals, we now have the opportunity to make banknotes more relatable by featuring real people, real birds and real buildings," the ECB banknotes director concluded. 

By fLEXI tEAM