The placement of the banknotes on the market will be gradual, and the selection process involved the participation of almost ten million people, who voted for their favourite designs.

In total, 9.96 million people in Europe and worldwide participated in the ECB survey that ended earlier this week. The survey aimed to gauge citizens' opinions on the new design of euro banknotes. The participation demonstrated, says Christine Lagarde, president of the ECB, the interest of Europeans in the new euro banknotes.

The ECB also says 2.6% of the eurozone population participated in the survey, sparking interest across age groups. However, it highlights interest among younger generations, as two-thirds of responses came from people under 35.

In the survey, participants could choose and vote for their favourites from among 10 different choices. In addition to the general population, the survey was also answered by an independent research company. For the final decision, the choices collected in both data collection methods will be considered.

Decision imminent

By the end of the year, the ECB Governing Council should choose the final design. For the decision, both surveys will be considered, as well as the recommendations presented by an independent jury responsible for the design competition, bringing a more technical evaluation to the process.

After the choice is made, the chosen designs will still be adapted and improved before becoming banknotes. The ECB also clarified that it will publish a detailed report with the survey results, as well as the opinions collected. The results collected by country will also be made available.

Design proposal

For the new design proposal, competitors focused on the themes of "European culture" and "rivers and birds."

In a way, the euro banknotes aim to celebrate European culture and honour what nature offers to the continent, more specifically, to the eurozone.

Among the cultural figures honoured are Maria Callas, Beethoven, Marie Curie, Miguel de Cervantes, Leonardo da Vinci, and Bertha von Suttner.

And while Portugal was left out in terms of historical figures, this is not the case in the rivers and birds section. There are designs that include the white stork, so well recognised by those who visit Portugal, due to its strong presence and nesting in old chimneys of fish canning factories.

More secure banknotes

In addition to the design update, the new banknotes will have other changes aimed at strengthening their security features.

Older banknotes remain valid

Similar to what happened in the past, a design change does not imply that the previous banknotes lose their validity.

The ECB believes that the introduction of the new banknotes will be gradual, starting in 2030. During this period, both banknote designs will circulate simultaneously.