15:25 - 23.09.2026

---

September 23, Fineko/abc.az. The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced that final design decisions for the next-generation euro banknotes will be made by the end of this year, with the new series entering circulation sequentially starting in the early 2030s.

The final concept incorporates feedback from a massive public survey held between July 23 and September 21, 2026, which drew nearly 10 million participants. The vote centered on two main themes: "European Culture" (featuring figures such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Marie Curie) and "Rivers and Birds" (focusing on biodiversity and EU values).

ECB President Christine Lagarde praised the overwhelming public participation as a sign of strong citizen engagement with the currency. The new banknotes will feature advanced anti-counterfeiting security features, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and improved tactile accessibility for visually impaired citizens. Existing euro banknotes will remain legal tender alongside the new series.