Future Euro banknotes will introduce new designs, stronger security, better accessibility and lower environmental impact, with a phased roll-out expected after 2027. The redesign reflects the ECB’s broader goal of keeping cash secure, recognisable and relevant, while ensuring the next series meets the practical needs of citizens, cash handlers and financial institutions across Europe.
The European Central Bank is developing a new generation of Euro banknotes to strengthen security, improve accessibility and reduce environmental impact while keeping cash easy to use across Europe.
The redesign began in 2021 and has already reached several milestones, including the selection of two themes in 2023 and a public design consultation in 2026. The ECB is expected to choose a final design by the end of 2026, with a formal decision on the new series likely by early 2027. New notes, however, are still several years away.
For central banks, commercial banks and cash-in-transit companies, timing is the main issue. Once the design is confirmed, technical work on production, testing and machine adaptation will follow, giving organisations time to prepare upgrades, training and communications.
The redesign goes beyond appearance. The ECB has linked it to four priorities: reflecting Europe’s identity, improving security, strengthening accessibility and supporting sustainability. In practice, that means more recognisable imagery, stronger anti-counterfeiting features, clearer design for visually impaired users and materials with a lower environmental footprint.
For cash professionals, the message is clear: the next Euro series will modernise banknotes while keeping cash a reliable and relevant part of Europe’s payment system.
Key themes, designs and security features of future Euro notes
The shortlisted designs for future euro banknotes centre on two themes – “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” – both designed to combine recognisable imagery with stronger security and accessibility features.
The “European culture” theme highlights Europe’s shared heritage through motifs linked to art, music, literature and performance, while giving designers room to integrate features such as holograms or security windows. “Rivers and birds” focuses on landscapes and biodiversity, using cross-border natural symbols to reinforce ideas of unity and sustainability.
In July 2026, the ECB presented ten shortlisted proposals from more than 1,200 entries and opened a public survey until 21 September 2026. Feedback will support the Governing Council’s final design decision, expected by the end of 2026.
Whichever theme is chosen, the next series will build on modern banknote security, likely extending features already seen in the Europa series. That means ATMs, recyclers and other cash-handling machines will need updates, with planning likely to begin 12–18 months before issuance.
Accessibility and sustainability will also shape the final notes. Clear numerals, colour contrast and tactile features will support users with visual impairments, while material choices will aim to reduce environmental impact and improve durability. For cash professionals, the redesign confirms that cash will remain an important part of Europe’s payment system for years to come.
What central banks and cash handlers can do to prepare now
Central banks, commercial banks and other cash‑intensive organisations should begin preparing for future Euro banknotes well before first issuance. Early planning for machine upgrades, staff training, communications and end‑of‑life handling can reduce disruption and improve efficiency.
A practical first step is to align the ECB timeline with internal invest
ment cycles. If the final design is confirmed by the end of 2026, budget decisions for ATMs, sorters and recyclers may need to be made one to two years in advance to avoid rushed testing and higher costs.
It is also worth engaging early with equipment manufacturers and authentication device suppliers. Clarifying expected test programmes, certification requirements and upgrade paths now can help avoid delays later.
Training and communication should not be left until the last minute. Frontline cash handlers will need clear guidance on recognising new designs, checking security features and managing mixed circulation, supported by concise visual materials and localised training content.
Sustainability should be part of preparation as well. As new notes may involve different materials, organisations reviewing destruction lines or recycling processes may want equipment that can handle a wider range of substrates and outputs.
More broadly, the redesign offers an opportunity to modernise cash operations, improve resilience and strengthen sustainability. Close cooperation with peers, suppliers and the Eurosystem will help organisations prepare more effectively and turn the transition into a strategic advantage.
