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New euro banknotes are coming in 2026 – Here’s what’s changing in your wallet

By Farah Mokrani • Published: 03 May 2025 • 9:51 • 2 minutes read

A spread of current euro banknotes including €20, €50 and €100 denominations, showing existing designs in circulation

Out with the old – The current euro banknotes, in use for over a decade, will be gradually replaced starting in 2026 with fresh new designs. Credit : BurAnd, Shutterstock

New designs, famous faces and a touch of nature — here’s what your wallet will look like in a few years

Let’s be honest — Most of us don’t pay much attention to the design of our euro banknotes, beyond checking if we’ve got enough for coffee or rent. But starting in 2026, that’s all about to change.

The European Central Bank has announced a full redesign of all euro notes — and this time, they’re going for something that actually feels, well… a bit more human. Think birds, rivers, waterfalls, and even some of Europe’s most inspiring cultural icons. Yes, your fiver might soon come with a songbird or Maria Callas instead of a bridge from nowhere.

Why euro banknotes are being redesigned in 2026

If you’re wondering why Europe’s giving its money a makeover, it’s not just about aesthetics. The current notes have been around for over a decade and, let’s face it, they’ve aged about as well as those early 2000s flip phones.

The redesign is partly about upgrading security features — making notes harder to fake and more durable — but it’s also about making them more relatable. After all, Europe isn’t just about anonymous architecture. It’s about people, places, history — and the occasional stork flying over a river.

So, the ECB asked the people what they’d like to see on their money. Over 365,000 Europeans responded. The message was clear: give us something we recognise, something that reflects the world we live in.

The result? A mix of two new themes: one focused on nature, the other on culture.

New euro banknote designs: nature, culture and iconic figures

Let’s start with the nature version. These designs will highlight the rich biodiversity of Europe, pairing landscapes with birds you’d actually spot in the wild.

  • €5: A mountain spring and a cheerful little songbird
  • €10: A waterfall with a kingfisher mid-dive
  • €20: A winding river valley with bee-eaters nesting along the cliffs
  • €50: A white stork soaring over river bends
  • €100: A tidal estuary with an avocet gliding above the mudflats
  • €200: Open sea, rolling waves and a gannet in flight

On the back of these notes? Sketches of EU institutions — a reminder that this whole euro experiment is meant to keep Europe steady and united.

Now, if nature isn’t your thing, the second set of notes will feature famous Europeans who left their mark over the past six centuries. Here’s the line-up:

  • €5: Maria Callas – the voice that could shake a theatre
  • €10: Beethoven – because, well, Beethoven
  • €20: Marie Curie – trailblazing scientist and Nobel Prize winner
  • €50: Miguel de Cervantes – father of Don Quixote
  • €100: Leonardo da Vinci – no intro needed
  • €200: Bertha von Suttner – peace activist, long before it was trending

Each reverse side will show scenes inspired by European life — from libraries to gardens — giving these notes a bit of everyday charm.

Will your old notes still be valid?

Short answer: yes. The ECB isn’t pulling the plug all at once. The transition will be gradual, and old notes will stay in circulation for years to come. No need to rush and spend every last €50 before the deadline.

The production itself will happen in 11 secure printing sites across Europe, then handed over to each country’s national bank to distribute based on demand.

So, you won’t be waking up in 2026 to find your wallet full of out-of-date paper. But over time, those new notes will start appearing — and we think you’ll notice the difference.

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Written by

Farah Mokrani

Farah is a journalist and content writer with over a decade of experience in both digital and print media. Originally from Tunisia and now based in Spain, she has covered current affairs, investigative reports, and long-form features for a range of international publications. At Euro Weekly News, Farah brings a global perspective to her reporting, contributing news and analysis informed by her editorial background and passion for clear, accurate storytelling.

Comments

    • Mike Ryan

      04 May 2025 • 19:27

      There is no mention of using the plastic notes that are used in Australia and UK. These are terrific and much more lasting than the paper notes . The simply won’t tear and withstand a lot more than the paper version . It’s a huge mistake if they are not brought in .

    • Mike Ryan

      04 May 2025 • 19:30

      Plastic notes are the way forward and not paper !

    • Joseph Bonnici

      05 May 2025 • 09:33

      I am glad that there is going to be redesign of the European currency but the most important thing is not the pictures or views which are also important but the protection for us normal European Citizens from fraudalists. Example the upgrading of security features as well as these notes will be harder to fake, but I prefer IMPOSSIBLE to fake.

    • Derek Antill

      05 May 2025 • 11:25

      It is good to change the design of banknotes from time to time and hopefully keep 1 step ahead of the forgers.

    • Billy Boyd

      05 May 2025 • 11:51

      They are changing the notes just to annoy everyone. It is correct that very few people look at the notes, all we see is 5, 10, 20, 50 and that is enough, who really cares if the note has a pretty flower, very very few people. The main reason changing colours and design is to stop criminals stashing away their ill gotten gains. But the comments about plastic are valid but Spain does not do common sense.

      • Pedro

        05 May 2025 • 15:54

        Billy you got that right. Spain does not do common sense. They don´t need to change the design, it costs a lot of money retooling the printing presses, I know having worked at the Mint but Spain like to waste money on thing that do no matter to anyone. Why don´t the Spanish government fix the potholes in the roads, why don´t they repaint all the road markings. Why ? Why? don´t they do something useful for the people.

      • Stewart Bennett

        05 May 2025 • 18:29

        It’s nothing to do with Spain. It’s the ECB that determines whether or not the notes are paper or plastic.

        • Marcus Welby

          06 May 2025 • 07:41

          Oh we have one of those, I have lived in Spain for 15 years and love the place.

    • Thenialler

      05 May 2025 • 13:07

      Have to agree

    • Billy

      06 May 2025 • 18:35

      What’s a bank note? not seen one in years, use my watch or phone to pay, bank notes are out of date and cost loads of money to produce and move around.

    Comments are closed.

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