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ECB survey draws nearly 10 million people for euro banknote redesign
About 2.6% of the euro area population participated, with two-thirds of responses from people under age 35, ahead of an ECB decision expected by late 2026.
The European Central Bank says 9.96 million people took part in a public survey on the future design of euro banknotes, reflecting broad interest in the next series of notes. In remarks quoted by the ECB, President Christine Lagarde said the turnout shows how much Europeans care about the redesign and that the survey is a step toward preparing the next issuance.
The ECB said the survey ran from 23 July to 21 September 2026 and drew participation from across age groups, including younger respondents, with two-thirds of submissions coming from people under 35. It added that the survey results will be analyzed using standard statistical methods to ensure they accurately represent the euro area population.
Participants were asked for opinions on ten shortlisted design proposals tied to the themes “European culture” and “Rivers and birds.” The ECB said a separate survey is also being conducted by an independent research company using the same questions, and the results of both surveys will inform the ECB Governing Council’s final design decision expected around the end of 2026.
The ECB said it is not publishing the results for individual proposals at this stage. After the Governing Council selects a final concept, the chosen design will be adapted to become actual banknotes with enhanced security features and improvements for accessibility and sustainability, and the new notes are expected to enter circulation gradually from the early 2030s while existing euro banknotes remain valid.