ECB selects possible themes for future euro banknotes
Future euro banknotes could feature images of rivers and birds or European culture. The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) selected these possible themes for the future euro bills, as the central bank announced in Frankfurt. This was preceded by two surveys in which people in Europe were able to name their favorites from a preselection of seven themes.
In the survey conducted on behalf of the ECB in the summer with 23,377 participants, "European culture" was the most popular topic with 21 percent, followed by "Rivers: Water of life in Europe" (18 percent) and "Birds: free, resilient, inspiring" (17 percent).
In a parallel online survey in which 365,000 citizens took part, these three topics were also the favorites, albeit in a different order.
In order to best reflect the public's preferences, rivers and birds were combined into a single nature-related topic, according to the central bank. "The chosen themes both establish a link between Europe and the people who live here," said ECB President Christine Lagarde. This fits in well with the aim that the new banknotes should appeal more strongly to all people in Europe.
Motifs on current euro banknotes comparatively sober
Unlike previous national currencies, the motifs on the current euro banknotes are comparatively sober: Buildings that do not exist in reality. The first euro banknotes were issued on January 1, 2002. The second generation of euro bills with new security features has been complete since May 2019.
In December 2021, the ECB initiated a process to redesign the bills. Central banks regularly develop new banknote series to make it more difficult for counterfeiters. The ECB also wants to reduce the environmental impact. For example, the bills are to have a longer lifespan.
However, it will be several years before people have the new bills in their hands. An advisory group will propose motifs for the selected themes by the end of 2024. A design competition will then take place. Citizens will then be asked for their opinion again. The decision on the final design and the date of production and issue of the new banknotes is expected to be made by the central bank in 2026. Experience shows that it will then take two to three years for the new bills to come into circulation.
The ECB is considering incorporating motifs of European culture, rivers, and birds on future euro banknotes, as chosen from two surveys conducted among European citizens. Once finalized, these motifs will replace the comparatively sober designs currently featured on euro banknotes.
Source: www.dpa.com
