New Design Contest Seeks Cultural Icons or Natural Wonders

The European Central Bank is revamping euro banknotes for the first time since their launch 23 years ago. The Bank is seeking a new design for the banknotes, with possible subjects including cultural figures like German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, or birds and rivers.

European culture or a combination of rivers, birds and European institutions.

Greek opera singer Maria Callas, Beethoven, Polish-French scientist Marie Curie, Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci and Austrian peace activist Bertha von Suttner.

These names, put forward by a group of independent experts and then picked by the ECB, might prove controversial as only six of the euro zone's 20 countries are represented. The reverse will feature cultural events or facilities such as a song festival or a library.

The alternative motif will feature birds and rivers on the front of the notes, and European institutions including the ECB itself on the reverse. The ECB will open the contest this year and select the design in 2026 although the new banknotes will only go into circulation several years later.