ECB design contest for future euro banknotes

On 15 July 2025, the European Central Bank launched a design contest for future euro banknotes, inviting graphic designers residing in the European Union to participate.

The contest focuses on the themes of “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”.

Applications must be submitted by 12:00 CET on 18 August 2025.

The ECB will select a maximum of 40 designers, 20 per theme. The selected designers will then be invited to submit their design proposals, which will be assessed by the Design Contest Jury. The Jury will propose up to five designs per theme for a final decision by the Governing Council.

Launching the contest, ECB President Christine Lagarde said: “The euro is more than a currency – it symbolises European unity and diversity. Through this contest, we invite designers across Europe to shape the future of our banknotes to reflect our shared cultural identity and natural heritage.”

Full details on how to enter the contest can be found on the ECB's website.