01 Sep 2026
Economy: Europeans vote on the next euro banknotes
- RE+D Magazine
Citizens across the euro area have the opportunity to help decide what the next generation of euro banknotes will look like, from the €5 note through to the €200 denomination, by taking part in a public vote organised by the European Central Bank (ECB).
Those who vote online at https://surveys.ecb.europa.eu/lng/el/pageTag/SurveyCampaign/cId/gObitxUmQHGly1NV/ by 21 September can choose one of the ten alternative designs presented by the ECB in July.
In July, the European Central Bank unveiled the ten design proposals selected for the next series of euro banknotes and invited Europeans — including Greek citizens — to express their views through an online survey.
The ECB’s Governing Council will subsequently select one design proposal towards the end of the year. Its decision will be based on a combination of factors, including the conclusions of the design competition’s jury, the technical assessment and the results of two surveys: the public online survey, which will run until 21 September 2026, and a separate survey featuring the same questions, conducted in parallel by an independent polling company among a representative sample of euro-area citizens.
The ECB will publish a report containing the results of both surveys once the final design proposal has been selected. This makes broad public participation in the online survey particularly important.
The ten designs are based on two themes:
European Culture: Europe’s cultural heritage represented through iconic figures, including Maria Callas, Ludwig van Beethoven and Miguel de Cervantes.
Rivers and Birds: Symbols of freedom, unity and our connection with nature.
The ten designs emerged from a Europe-wide competition involving more than 1,200 graphic designers. Of these, 25 were invited to develop design proposals for one or both of the two themes.
As ECB President Christine Lagarde put it, “euro banknotes are more than a means of payment; they are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe. Through designs that combine aesthetics and meaning, they will strengthen our shared identity.”
For Greece, participation in the vote is of particular interest for two reasons. First, Maria Callas is featured on the €5 banknote designs. Second, Design E was created by Greek designer Myrsini Vardopoulou.