Cash Update: Euro Banknotes in New Design

The European Central Bank (ECB) announced on July 24, 2026, that Euro banknotes will receive a new design. Citizens from Eurozone countries are invited to participate in a vote on the new designs. This is the first time since the introduction of the Euro in 2002 that the public is involved in the design process. The ECB plans to gradually introduce the new banknotes in the coming years.

The voting is intended to give citizens the opportunity to share their opinions and suggestions regarding the designs. The ECB emphasizes that the new banknotes should be both modern and secure to meet current cash security requirements. The survey is expected to start in autumn 2026 and will be accessible through the ECB's official channels as well as social media. Citizens can submit their suggestions and preferences for various design elements. The ECB plans to publish the results of the vote and incorporate them into the final design decisions.

The new banknotes aim not only to modernize the appearance of the Euro but also to enhance security features. The ECB has already announced that the new banknotes will be equipped with more advanced technologies to make counterfeiting more difficult. This includes new holographic elements and improved watermarks. The decision to involve citizens in the design process comes at a time when cash usage is declining in many countries. Despite the rise of digital payment methods, cash remains an important payment medium for many people.

The ECB aims to strengthen acceptance and trust in the Euro with this step. The last major changes to Euro banknotes occurred between 2013 and 2019, when the new €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 notes were introduced. These banknotes were equipped with enhanced security features to counter the challenges of counterfeiting. The new designs are intended to further increase these security standards. The ECB has emphasized that the new banknotes should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also reflect the cultural diversity of Eurozone countries.

The designs may include elements from various European cultures and historical periods. Citizens are invited to make suggestions that represent this diversity. The ECB is expected to announce the results of the voting and the final designs in 2027. The introduction of the new banknotes could then take place in the following years, with a specific timeline yet to be established. The ECB plans to regularly inform the public about all steps of the process.

The ECB has already announced that the new banknotes will be available in different sizes and colors to enhance usability. This measure is particularly intended to benefit older individuals and those with visual impairments. The new designs are also meant to improve the accessibility and handling of the banknotes. The voting on the new designs is part of a broader initiative by the ECB to involve citizens more in decision-making processes. This initiative aims to strengthen trust in the institution and increase transparency.

The ECB has previously taken similar measures to gather citizens' opinions on various topics. The ECB has called on citizens to actively participate in the voting and share their ideas. The bank emphasizes that every vote counts and that citizens' opinions will have a significant impact on the future design of the Euro. The ECB expects strong participation in the survey and hopes that the new designs will strengthen the identity of the Euro. The ECB plans to circulate the new banknotes by 2030 at the latest, depending on the results of the voting and subsequent design processes.