Euro banknote redesign: culture, rivers and birds

Euro banknotes are being prepared for a visual overhaul, with two themes providing the basis for future designs: “European culture” and “Rivers and birds,” according to UNIAN. The project concerns the appearance of euro cash, rather than the creation of a different currency or a change in the value of its denominations.

As of September 24, 2026, the practical distinction is between developing a new design and having new notes available at bank counters. Selecting themes is part of the design process. It does not, by itself, mark the start of replacing the cash people already use for payments or keep as savings.

Context

The two themes offer different ways of representing Europe. “European culture” focuses on its cultural dimension, while “Rivers and birds” draws on the natural environment. These are foundations for design work, not a list of final images approved for each denomination. The finished appearance must combine the visual concept with the requirements of everyday cash use.

The Eurosystem, comprising the European Central Bank and the national central banks of euro-area countries, is responsible for issuing euro banknotes. Updating those notes involves more than graphic design. They must remain recognisable, suitable for authenticity checks and accessible to people using cash. Distinguishing denominations and processing notes by machine are also important considerations.

Design development, production preparation and release into circulation are separate stages. An artistic concept must be reproduced on an actual banknote alongside its security features. Banks, cash machines, payment terminals and sorting equipment must then be able to handle the cash. A proposed image is therefore not the same as a note ready for widespread use.

For holders of euros, a new series and the withdrawal of earlier notes are also different matters. News about future artwork does not itself establish a deadline for spending or exchanging existing banknotes. The introduction of a series, any period of parallel circulation and arrangements for exchanging older notes depend on separate official decisions, rather than the choice of a design theme.

Nor does an older design establish whether a note is genuine. Relevant checks concern the security features of that particular series and the physical condition of the banknote. Images of possible future notes should not be used as reference material for assessing cash already in circulation; official guidance on existing series serves that purpose.

A visual update does not change a note’s face value. The euro’s exchange value is determined separately from its appearance, so redesign news alone is not a reason to expect a rise or fall against the hryvnia.

For cash exchange in Kyiv, compare current buying and selling offers using the latest AEX rates. Future artwork is not a reason to rush to sell existing euros; the practical milestone will be the official arrangements for introducing the new series.

Based on reporting from УНІАН.