New euro banknotes: 10 designs shortlisted, final pick around year-end

The first full redesign since 2002 is choosing between “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”.

On 23 July 2026 the European Central Bank unveiled ten shortlisted designs for the next euro banknotes, under two themes: “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”. The public could give its views in an online survey until 21 September. It is the first full redesign since the euro notes were launched in 2002.

For youYour current notes keep their full value and will keep circulating alongside the new ones. Nothing to exchange.

Next: The ECB’s Governing Council will pick the final design around the end of 2026; the new notes follow in later years.

Verified against the sources above on 29 September 2026. Plain-language summary — not the legal text and not legal advice.