Brussels – The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled plans for a new series of Euro banknotes, featuring cultural icons and natural motifs. While renowned figures such as Beethoven, Marie Curie, and Leonardo da Vinci will be celebrated, Ireland—along with 14 of the 20 Eurozone countries—has been notably excluded. This omission is expected to spark significant debate in the coming weeks.
Euro Banknote Redesign: The Selection Process
The ECB has announced a design competition for the new banknotes, inviting designers from across the European Union to submit concepts based on two selected themes. The ECB’s governing council will shortlist designs next year, after which the public will have an opportunity to vote for their favourites. Once a final decision is made, the new banknotes will be put into circulation.
Two Thematic Options for the New Banknotes
The ECB has chosen two overarching themes for the redesign:
- “European Culture” – This theme focuses on cultural heritage, historical figures, and artistic achievements. The following icons have been selected to appear on each denomination:
- €5 – Greek opera singer Maria Callas
- €10 – German composer Ludwig van Beethoven
- €20 – Polish-French scientist Marie Curie
- €50 – Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes
- €100 – Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci
- €500 – Austrian peace activist Bertha von Suttner
The reverse side of these banknotes will feature cultural institutions, including song festivals, libraries, and other artistic and intellectual contributions.
- “Rivers and Birds” – This theme highlights Europe’s rich biodiversity, with birds and rivers on the front of the banknotes, while the reverse side will depict European institutions, including the ECB headquarters.
Concerns Over Limited Representation
The selection process has raised concerns over the lack of representation for the majority of Eurozone countries, with only six nations included. The omission of Ireland, along with several other member states, has led to criticism that the new banknote designs fail to reflect the diversity of the Euro area.
Irish Samachar English News
{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp