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Take a look at the euro notes in your wallet. The €5 you use for your morning coffee, the €20 you hand over at the supermarket, or the €50 you keep aside for emergencies could look very different in the coming years.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled possible designs for a new generation of euro banknotes, featuring some of Europe's most famous figures, including Greek opera legend Maria Callas, composer Ludwig van Beethoven and Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci.
It will be the first complete redesign of euro banknotes since they were introduced in 2002.
For people in Cyprus, where cash is still part of everyday life, whether it’s paying at a local bakery, leaving money at a taverna, or keeping a few notes in the wallet “just in case," the change will eventually mean getting used to a new look.
But don’t worry: your current euro notes are not disappearing. They will keep their value and will continue circulating alongside the new ones.
Who could appear on the new notes?
The ECB has chosen two possible themes for the next series: “European Culture” and “Rivers and Birds.”
Under the culture theme, the proposed banknotes would honor some of Europe’s biggest names:
- €5: Greek soprano Maria Callas
- €10: German composer Ludwig van Beethoven
- €20: Scientist and Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie
- €50: Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, creator of Don Quixote
- €100: Leonardo da Vinci
- €200: Nobel Peace Prize winner Bertha von Suttner
ECB President Christine Lagarde said euro notes represent more than just money.
“Euro banknotes are more than a means of payment — they are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe,” she said, explaining that the new designs aim to reflect Europe’s shared identity.
Europeans get a say
The designs were not simply chosen behind closed doors.
More than 1,200 designers from across Europe submitted ideas as part of a competition. A panel of experts narrowed them down to 10 final proposals.
Now, ordinary Europeans, including people in Cyprus, can have their say.
The ECB has launched an online survey where citizens can give their opinion on the designs until September 21, 2026.
A separate survey will also ask a representative sample of eurozone citizens for their views before the final decision is made.
The ECB Governing Council is expected to choose the winning design by the end of 2026.
A Greek artist is also in the running
Among the shortlisted proposals is one from Greek painter and engraver Myrsini Vardopoulou.
Her design focuses on the idea of “European Civilization”, highlighting the contribution of European figures in science, art and literature rather than focusing only on famous personalities.
Vardopoulou is already known for designing Greek postage stamps and overseeing the creation of Greece’s philatelic products.
Why change the banknotes?
The makeover is not just about making the notes look different.
The ECB says the new banknotes will include improved security features to make them harder to counterfeit and easier to use for people with visual impairments.
The central bank also wants the new notes to be more environmentally friendly by making them last longer and using more sustainable materials.
Even as more people move to cards and digital payments, the ECB says cash remains an important choice for millions of Europeans.
So, while the next time you open your wallet you probably won’t see Maria Callas staring back at you just yet, a new chapter for the euro is already being designed.
Ten selected design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes have been unveiled.
— European Central Bank (@ecb) July 23, 2026
Explore the proposals and tell us which ones you prefer.
Have your say https://t.co/VvcczFFxX3 pic.twitter.com/mZGWAdaz62
