New euro banknotes to feature Europeans and birds
Saturday 12th September 2026 on 14:45 in
Estonia
New euro banknotes could feature European people and birds instead of the architectural objects shown on current notes, ERR reported. Anne Pikkov, an Estonian designer who served on the jury selecting preliminary designs, discussed the plans on the television programme Ringvaade.
The European Central Bank is reviewing the banknotes’ design because new security features, improved paper and ink have been developed since the current notes entered circulation more than 20 years ago.
“If the banknotes previously featured objects, the new ones will show a European person, along with their skills and achievements,” Pikkov said.
The European Central Bank selected two themes for the design competition: “European culture” and “Birds and rivers”. Designers were otherwise given broad creative freedom. About 1,200 designers from across Europe took part.
The jury included designers as well as psychologists and neuroscientists. Its discussions covered issues such as the size of the numerals and colour intensity. The people shown on the notes could represent specific fields, Pikkov said.
The public can also have a say in the final designs. People can indicate which of the proposed directions they prefer, and the European Central Bank will take the feedback into account when making its decision.
Five Estonian designers took part in the competition, but none of their designs reached the final selection.
The bird designs must depict European birds that migrate between European countries. River-related designs may show anything from rapids and puddles to rain and even water crystals, Pikkov said.
Although cash may seem less common in Estonia, half of all transactions elsewhere in Europe are still made in cash, she said. Digital payments were introduced as an additional option rather than as a replacement for cash.
The existing banknotes will remain in circulation, while notes with the new designs will be introduced alongside them. The new designs can be viewed on the website of Eesti Pank, Estonia’s central bank.