The future look of the euro is moving closer to public view. The European Central Bank has opened voting on ten shortlisted banknote concepts, inviting people across Europe to help shape a design that reflects shared identity and everyday life.
The proposals are built around two creative directions: one highlights European places and ideas, while the other focuses on birds and rivers as symbols of freedom and connection. Although each entry follows the same basic framework, the visual language changes through composition, color, and layout.
The culture-themed set features familiar names from European history and creativity, including Leonardo da Vinci, Ludwig van Beethoven, Marie Curie, Maria Callas, Bertha von Suttner, and Miguel de Cervantes. The result is a collection that blends heritage with contemporary design thinking.
Public voting will remain open until mid-September. After that, jurors will review the results and select one proposal for the next stage of evaluation before any final adoption. The process reflects a broader effort to make currency design more participatory and culturally resonant.
As the euro's visual identity evolves, it may help redefine how shared symbols connect people across generations and borders.
