DATE

24.07.2026

Following the approach previously taken in Norway with the banknote redesign by the architecture firm Snøhetta, the ECB has decided to redesign the euro banknotes in collaboration with ten design studios. In this case, to ensure greater transparency, the identity of the authors of each proposal has been kept confidential. For their development, two themes were proposed: European Culture and Rivers and Birds, the latter naturally featuring the native flora and fauna of the Old Continent. With ten proposals in total, five correspond to one theme and five to the other, categorized by letters from A to J:

Proposal A focuses on cultural exchange and presents a conceptual vision where the gaze and the voice take center stage; it illustrates eyes representing observation and reflection, while a mouth symbolizes dialogue and expression among Europeans.

Proposal B is developed under the theme of nature, directly connecting European bird species with their natural habitat and linking the continent’s biodiversity with the characteristic river landscapes of each region.

Proposal C gathers great historical figures on the front of each banknote and integrates a map of Europe on the back, combined with astronomical constellations and everyday cultural settings such as theaters, public squares, and schools.

For its part, Proposal D presents a continuous journey that follows the course of a river from its source in the mountains to the sea, depicting six birds integrated into abstract landscapes where light evolves symbolically across the different denominations.

Proposal E approaches cultural heritage from a symbolic and intellectual perspective, focusing on the value of work and universal ideas through geometric shapes and a distinctive circular motif, rather than relying solely on portraits.

On the other hand, Proposal F takes inspiration from the motto “United in Diversity,” combining portraits of historical and iconic figures with a collage-style visual format that integrates heterogeneous textures and shapes to represent the richness of European identities.

Proposal G stands out for a frontal gaze that connects with the user from the center of the bill and offers a bold design that, when rotated vertically, spells out the four letters of “E-U-R-O” through its block structure.

Proposal H builds its visual narrative on water as a continuous vital flow that shapes the landscape, connecting rivers with the native birdlife inhabiting European ecosystems.

Proposal I centers its concept on the movement and dynamism of the European Union, utilizing a graphic contrast of hand-drawn strokes and vector illustrations to capture the flight of birds over river courses.

Lastly, Proposal J narrates the transition of rivers toward the sea by associating a phase of the riverbed and a bird species with each denomination, while the reverse features a fusion between the buildings of European institutions and the wings of the birds themselves.

Voting will remain open until September 21st, though the outcome will not be final; following an internal review that takes these results into account, the ECB will announce the winning proposal by the end of the year.

MARCH VALENCIA | ARQUITECTURA Y DISEÑO

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