Future banknotes
ECB chooses motifs for new banknotes: from Beethoven to Curie
The European Central Bank wants to make craftsmen difficult with a new series of banknotes. The notes should also be redesigned. Now there is a pre -selection of motifs.
Birds, rivers, buildings or famous personalities such as Marie Curie and Leonardo da Vinci: The European Central Bank (ECB) has made a pre-selection of motifs to adorn the planned new euro banknotes. “The new banknotes will symbolize our common identity and diversity that makes Europe strong,” said ECB President Christine Lagarde.
The first topic of “European culture” is about common cultural sites and “outstanding Europeans”, as the ECB in Frankfurt announced. Motifs include Nobel Prize winners Marie Curie, composer Ludwig van Beethoven and the painter and sculptor Leonardo da Vinci. On the back, street artists, a library or university are to be seen.
The second group “rivers and birds” deals with the resistance and diversity of nature. On the back of the banknotes, European institutions would be seen on this topic, for example the European Parliament or the European Commission.
“Ready motifs and appreciation for cultural heritage”
“We are pleased to present these realistic motives that express our commitment to Europe and our appreciation for its cultural heritage and nature,” said Lagarde.
The suggestions of experts and a survey in which around 365,000 Europeans took part in the decision have been included in the decision.
The ECB had initiated a process for redesigning the banknotes at the end of 2021. Central banks regularly develop new banknotes to make craftsmen difficult. The ECB also wants to reduce environmental consequences. For example, the notes should have a longer lifespan.
Before consumers hold the new notes in hands, time will pass. A design competition is scheduled to take place in 2025 so that the ECB council can select final motifs in 2026. Then the ECB wants to present the designs of the population and ask them for their opinion. People can only hold the new banknotes in their hands a few years later, the ECB said.
Motives on current banknotes so far sober
The motifs on current euro banknotes are relatively sober, unlike earlier national currencies: buildings that are actually not available. The first euro banknotes were issued on 2002. The second generation of the notes has been complete with new security features since May 2019.
“Set cash today and in the future”
At the same time, the ECB is now committed to cash. “We are working on new banknotes because we rely on cash today and in the future. Banknotes are a symbol of European unity,” said Piero Cipollone, member of the ECB directorate.
The Bundesbank welcomed the selection of European personalities for future banknotes. “The six selected women and men embodied European culture and values very well,” said Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel on request. “They represent a historically wide range of European music, science, literature and art.” The personalities deserved to be depicted on the future banknotes. “With the introduction of the third euro banknot series, the Eurosystem also underlines its commitment to cash.”
dpa
Source: Stern
