Almost ten million people give their views on new euro banknotes

The survey attracted participants from Europe and beyond, the European Central Bank reported on 23 September. From 23 July to 21 September 2026 inclusive, they could give their views on ten shortlisted design proposals. These centred on two themes: ‘European culture’ and ‘Rivers and birds’. [1]

According to the ECB, 2.6 per cent of the euro area's population took part. Two thirds of all responses came from people under 35. The bank intends to analyse the responses using statistical methods so that they properly reflect the population of the euro area. The press release does not state which methods it will use.

An independent research agency also put the same questions to a separate sample intended to be representative of the euro area. That survey was still being finalised on 23 September. [1]

No favourite revealed yet

For now, the ECB is not disclosing which designs received the most support. Nor is the public survey a vote that determines the final design on its own. The ECB's Governing Council will take both surveys into account in its decision, alongside the recommendations of an independent design jury and a technical assessment.

The bank expects a decision on the final design concept around the end of 2026. Only then will a detailed report follow, containing responses to the individual proposals and results from different countries. The chosen design will then be developed further into banknotes. [1]