Almost ten million people took part in ECB survey on new euro banknotes
Nearly ten million people participated in the European Central Bank’s survey on future euro banknote designs, reflecting strong public engagement across Europe and beyond.
The European Central Bank (ECB) received responses from 9.96 million participants in its public survey on the redesign of euro banknotes, marking the highest level of engagement in such an initiative. President Christine Lagarde highlighted the broad interest, noting that 2.6% of the euro area population contributed, with significant participation from younger demographics. The survey, conducted between July and September 2026, gathered opinions on ten shortlisted design proposals centered on themes of European culture and nature. Data from the survey will be analyzed using standard statistical methods to ensure representation across the euro area population.
A separate survey, conducted by an independent research company with a representative sample, used identical questions and is nearing completion. The results from both surveys, alongside input from the independent Design Contest Jury and technical assessments, will guide the ECB Governing Council’s decision on the final design concept, expected by the end of 2026. The ECB has not disclosed individual proposal results at this stage, but plans to publish a detailed report after the decision, including feedback by country.
Following the Governing Council’s selection, the chosen design will undergo further development to incorporate enhanced security features, accessibility improvements, and sustainability enhancements. The new banknotes are projected to enter circulation gradually starting in the early 2030s, while existing euro banknotes will remain valid and continue to circulate alongside the new series. The ECB has provided a dedicated page for further details on the process and shortlisted proposals.
The ECB emphasized that the survey results reflect genuine public interest in the future of euro banknotes, with participation spanning all age groups. The central bank reiterated that the new series will maintain the euro’s role as a trusted and secure means of payment, while integrating modern design and technological advancements. No individual design proposal results have been released, and the final decision will be communicated once finalized.