ECB launches design contest for future euro banknotes

15 July 2025

The European Central Bank (ECB) today launched a public contest for the design of future euro banknotes - the next step in the euro banknote redesign process. The ECB's Governing Council has already selected two possible themes for the future euro banknotes after consulting experts and the public. These are: 'European culture', focusing on shared cultural spaces and important Europeans, and 'Rivers and birds', focusing on the resilience and diversity of Europe's natural ecosystems. In January, the Governing Council also selected motifs to illustrate the two possible themes.

The design contest, which is open to graphic designers residing in the European Union, aims to identify the best design proposals for the future euro banknotes.

After the contest finishes, the public will be invited to provide feedback on the designs selected.

The Governing Council is expected to decide on the final design by the end of 2026. The new banknotes will be ready to enter circulation some years after this decision and following the production process.

Designers interested in participating are invited to submit their application by 12:00 CEST on 18 August 2025.

For detailed information about the contest, please refer to the ECB's website and to the Official Journal of the European Union.