European Central Bank publishes Motifs Advisory Group shortlist for future euro banknote redesign

The European Central Bank has published a report from its independent Motifs Advisory Group setting out shortlisted stories and motifs to illustrate the two themes chosen for future euro banknotes, “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”. The group proposes four storylines as options for a forthcoming design contest, including three alternative motif approaches for the “Shared cultural spaces” storyline. For “European culture”, the shortlist comprises “Shared cultural spaces” (with options centred on either existing buildings, contemporary activities paired with historic spaces, or contemporary activities paired with paintings from the Renaissance to the late 19th century) and “Women as protagonists in European culture” (portraits and achievements of six figures, from Sappho to Marie Curie, across the EUR 5 to EUR 200 denominations). For “Rivers and birds”, “Nature as culture” pairs birds and river stages with artistic styles from pre-classical antiquity through to contemporary/futuristic design, while “Resilience in diversity” uses the same river-stage structure and selected bird species and links each denomination to a different way water supports human life (from water supply and inspiration to flood control, transport and recreation). The report notes that initial reputational-risk and controversy checks were performed but are not yet exhaustive, and that further assessment of risks and rights is needed for one individual story and associated motifs before the design contest. Once the final motifs are chosen, a design competition will be launched based on that selection. The ECB Governing Council is expected to decide on the design for future euro banknotes in 2026, taking into account public preferences on a shortlist of designs.