Lagarde unveils the finalists for the new euro banknotes and opens the vote to European citizens

The new series of banknotes, which will go into production in 2027 and which will enter circulation a few years laterand end up in the pockets of millions of citizens across the euro area, will offer greater security, be more difficult to counterfeit, but will also be easier to recognise and use, whilst optimising environmental sustainability and durability.

The design proposals were shortlisted as part of a competition organised at European Union level. Over 1,200 entries were received from graphic designers, 25 of whom were then asked to develop their proposals for one or both themes.

When presenting the ten finalist designs, Lagarde said: “Euro banknotes are not merely a means of payment: they are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe. By combining beauty and meaning, they will strengthen our common identity.”

This will be the first complete redesign of the euro banknotes since they were first issued in 2002.

“The design of the new look for euro banknotes forms part of the Eurosystem’s long-term efforts to ensure that cash remains a secure, efficient and user-friendly means of payment, and to safeguard citizens’ access to public money and their freedom to choose how they pay,” said Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB’s Executive Board.