New euro-banknote designs revealed as ECB asks the public to have its say
The euro notes used in Malta and across the euro area could be getting a very different look in the coming years.
The European Central Bank has revealed 10 shortlisted proposals for the next generation of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100 and €200 banknotes.
People across Europe are now being invited to view the designs and take part in an online survey before 21 September 2026. The results will be considered when the ECB Governing Council chooses the final design, with a decision expected around the end of 2026.
Two themes are in the running
The shortlisted proposals are divided between two broad themes: European Culture and Rivers and Birds.
The European Culture theme focuses on the continent’s cultural heritage and the spaces where people experience art and creativity together.
Some of the planned motifs feature prominent figures associated with European culture, alongside scenes linked to activities such as music, dance, theatre, education and public gathering spaces.
The Rivers and Birds theme takes inspiration from Europe’s natural environment. Its proposed notes include mountain springs, waterfalls, river valleys, river mouths and seascapes, together with birds such as kingfishers, bee-eaters, white storks and northern gannets.
European institutions would also appear on the reverse of notes developed under this theme.
Ten designs chosen from more than 1,200 applications
The ECB launched its design competition in 2025 and received 1,241 applications from designers across all EU countries.
A group of 25 designers was invited to continue to the main design stage, producing 39 complete proposals. An independent jury then selected 10 finalists — five for each theme.
The designs remain proposals and should not be treated as the final appearance of the future banknotes.
Why are euro notes being redesigned?
According to the ECB, banknotes are updated periodically to improve their security and make counterfeiting more difficult.
The redesign is also intended to make the notes more sustainable, inclusive and accessible, particularly for people with visual impairments. Proposed features include stronger colour contrasts and tactile elements that make different denominations easier to identify.
The current redesign also gives the ECB an opportunity to create banknotes that it believes will feel more relevant and representative to people across Europe.
Will the existing euro notes stop working soon?
No immediate change is expected.
Even after a final design is chosen, the new series will still need to be developed, tested and produced. The ECB says it will take several years before the new banknotes begin appearing in people’s wallets.
The ECB has not yet announced an exact circulation date.
For now, euro users in Malta and elsewhere can look through the shortlisted designs and share which proposals they prefer.
