The European Central Bank received 9.96 million responses to its public consultation on future banknotes, with two-thirds of participants under 35 years old. The Governing Council will decide on the final concept by late 2026.
A total of 9.96 million people from across Europe and beyond have participated in the public consultation of the European Central Bank (ECB) to choose the design of the next series of euro banknotes, according to the ECB itself. The survey was open from 23 July to 21 September 2026 and sought opinions on ten pre-selected proposals based on the themes of “European culture” and “rivers and birds”.
Participation represents 2.6% of the eurozone population and was high across all age groups. Two-thirds of the responses came from people under 35 years old. To ensure that the results accurately represent the population of the euro area, the data will be analysed using standard statistical methods.
“This astonishing figure shows the great interest of Europeans in their future banknotes,” said ECB President Christine Lagarde. “With their participation in the redesign process, an important step has been taken in preparing for the next series of banknotes.”
“This astonishing figure shows the great interest of Europeans in their future banknotes”
In parallel, an independent research firm has conducted another survey with the same questions on a representative sample of the eurozone, which is nearing completion. The results of both surveys, along with the recommendations from the design competition jury and a technical assessment, will assist the Governing Council of the ECB in deciding the final concept for the new banknotes, a decision expected by late 2026.
The ECB will not publish the results of each individual proposal for now. After the decision, a detailed report will be released with opinions on each design and results by country.
Once the concept is chosen, the design will be adapted and developed into actual banknotes. The new series will incorporate enhanced security features and improvements in accessibility and sustainability. Its introduction will be gradual starting from the early 2030s. The current banknotes will remain valid and will circulate alongside the new ones.
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