Almost 10 million people took part in ECB survey on new euro banknotes

Survey results will inform Governing Council decision on final design concept

A total of 9.96 million people across Europe and beyond shared their views on the future design of euro banknotes by completing the ECB’s public survey.

“This amazing number shows how much interest Europeans have in their future banknotes,” said President Christine Lagarde. “With them participating in the redesign process, an important step has been taken in preparing the next series of banknotes.”

2.6% of the euro area population took part in the survey, and interest was strong across all age groups, including younger generations, with two-thirds of responses coming from people under the age of 35. To ensure that the survey results accurately represent the euro area population, data will be analysed using standard statistical methods.

The survey ran between 23 July and 21 September 2026. It sought public opinions on ten shortlisted design proposals based on the themes “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”. A separate survey – run by an independent research company and targeting a representative sample of people in the euro area – was conducted using the same questions and is currently being finalised.

The results of the two surveys, together with the recommendations of the independent Design Contest Jury and a technical assessment, will inform the ECB Governing Council’s decision on the final design concept for the future euro banknotes, which is expected around the end of 2026. The ECB is not publishing the results for individual design proposals at this stage. After the decision, a detailed report on the surveys, including feedback on each proposal and results from different countries, will be published.

Following the Governing Council’s decision on the concept, the chosen design will be adapted and further developed to transform it into actual banknotes. The new banknotes will incorporate enhanced security features and improvements in accessibility and sustainability. The new banknotes should enter circulation gradually from the early 2030s. Euro banknotes currently in circulation will remain valid and continue to circulate alongside the new series.