The European Central Bank has unveiled 10 shortlisted concepts for a future euro banknote redesign, opening a new chapter for Europe's everyday currency. The proposals focus on two themes: European culture and rivers and birds.
Among the cultural concepts, artists reimagined influential figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Ludwig van Beethoven, Miguel de Cervantes, Marie Curie and Bertha von Suttner. The nature-inspired entries pair bird species with key EU institutions, creating a visual dialogue between ecology and civic identity.
The shortlist was selected by an independent jury from more than 1,200 submissions, reflecting a wide range of styles from collage and portraiture to geometric abstraction. Some designers chose a vertical format, while others built their proposals around shared symbols and layered compositions.
The ECB has also launched a public survey, allowing Europeans to share their preferences until September 21. After that, the governing council is expected to choose one proposal, followed by a detailed phase of refinement, testing and production before the new notes enter circulation.
This redesign process highlights how currency can evolve into a modern canvas for culture, identity and collective imagination, shaping the visual language of the future.
