ECB unveils euro banknote redesign shortlist, survey opens

The European Central Bank has unveiled a shortlist of designs for the first complete redesign of euro banknotes since their introduction in 2002, inviting public feedback on the proposals before a final selection later this year. Announced by ECB President Christine Lagarde, the initiative presents two distinct thematic series, one celebrating iconic European cultural figures and another highlighting the continent's natural biodiversity.

Ten finalist designs have been selected from more than 1,200 proposals. The "European culture" theme would feature portraits of significant historical figures across different denominations. The proposed lineup includes composer Ludwig van Beethoven, scientist Maria Skłodowska Curie, artist Leonardo da Vinci, writer Miguel de Cervantes, opera singer Maria Callas, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bertha von Suttner.

The alternative theme, "rivers and birds," focuses on European nature, with each banknote depicting a different bird species in a river landscape. Species under consideration include the kingfisher, white stork, and northern gannet. The reverse sides of these notes would feature images of major European Union institutions, such as the...