Cast your vote on the new euro banknotes!  

The European Central Bank has revealed the ten contending designs for the next generation of euro banknotes - and you have a say in which design will eventually go into production! Here’s everything you need to know about the new designs, why we’re getting new banknotes, and what it means for you.

Choose your favourite design

The design of the new banknotes is created by Europeans for Europeans. Over 1.200 designers from across the continent have applied to take part in the design content. Only 25 of them were invited to submit full proposals. An independent jury then reviewed all the designs and shortlisted the final 10.

Now it’s your turn! The European Central Bank has opened an online survey where you can view all shortlisted designs and share your opinion. What designs do you think look and represent Europe the best? Take the survey.

Why are we getting new banknotes?

The Euro already has two banknote series (first: 2002. second: 2013 - 2019), so why are they adding a third? Central Banks often update their banknote designs every 10 to 15 years to make them more functional, inclusive, environmentally friendly and harder to counterfeit.

The European Central Bank aims to make the new banknotes more relatable for all Europeans. They want them to evoke a sense of belonging and togetherness. At the same time, they want the designs to be more functional. Making the different notes easier to distinguish and accessible for all.

The introduction also gives the European Central Bank the opportunity to make their banknotes greener and safer. Optimising their environmental footprint while also adding more advanced security features. Making them more sustainable and difficult to counterfeit. A win-win.

What does it mean for you?

At this moment: nothing. The final designs will not be decided on until the end of the year, and the production of the banknotes will not start until years after that.

Even when the banknotes are being produced and released there is no need to panic or replace your equipment. Safescan has got you covered. We work closely with central banks all over the world to ensure compatibility with the latest banknote versions and supply you with free update packages ready to download and install on your Safescan device.

You will be able to verify and count the new banknotes with the same confidence and ease - as you are already doing. That’s the Safescan guarantee.

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The following source has been consulted and used as a reference in this article: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/future_banknotes/html/index.en.html

Written by Peter de Waal. Edited by Melissa Reeuwijk.