Euro banknotes to change after 23 years: These names will be featured

The European Central Bank (ECB) is nearing the final stages of its efforts to refresh the appearance of euro banknotes. The process, initiated 23 years after the introduction of cash euros, will cover all current banknote denominations from 5 euros to 200 euros.

The 10 designs that reached the finals from among the projects prepared for the new banknote series have been opened for public evaluation across Europe. The ECB is conducting a survey process where participants can express their opinions to determine which designs receive more support.

TWO MAIN THEMES STAND OUT

The finalist designs were shaped around two themes: "European Culture and Science" and "Rivers and Birds." The culture and science theme uses motifs and portraits that reflect Europe's heritage in the fields of art, music, literature, and science.

In this context, the portrait of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Maria Sklodowska-Curie is featured in the design prepared for the 20-euro banknote. Under the same theme, portraits of figures such as opera singer Maria Callas, composer Ludwig van Beethoven, author Miguel de Cervantes, one of the iconic names of the Renaissance Leonardo da Vinci, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bertha von Suttner are also included in the finalist projects.

The results obtained from the public survey will be evaluated in the process of determining the final design of the new euro banknotes. Following the selection to be made from among the 10 finalists, the ECB is expected to announce the appearance of the new banknotes to the public at the end of the year.