Horizontal or vertical? Europeans invited to vote on future banknote designs

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-15T22:43:19.868Z • Permanent link

Economic Times of Europe have been abuzz with news that citizens of the Eurozone have been invited to cast their votes on the designs of upcoming euro bank bills. The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced a series of public consultations, allowing people to weigh in on the aesthetic and historical aspects of the banknotes. The designs, set to enter circulation in the coming years, feature a range of prominent historical figures, including Marie Curie and Leonardo da Vinci. The ECB's decision to involve the public in the design process is seen as a bold move, aiming to increase engagement and familiarity with the euro currency.

The public consultations are set to take place across 24 European countries, with citizens able to cast their votes online or in-person at designated locations. The ECB has stated that the feedback received will be taken into consideration when finalizing the designs. Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist and chemist, is featured on a proposed euro banknote design, while Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned artist and inventor, is set to appear on another. The vertical format, as suggested by some experts, is also expected to enter circulation.

Designers and historians have praised the move, citing the potential benefits of increased cultural awareness and engagement with the euro currency. "This is a unique opportunity for the ECB to showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of Europe," said Dr. Sophia Patel, a historian at the European University Institute. "By involving the public in the design process, the ECB can create a more inclusive and meaningful euro currency.

Citizens and businesses across the Eurozone are eagerly awaiting the results of the public consultations, as the designs will have a direct impact on the financial sector. Banks and financial institutions, such as the Bank of England and the Deutsche Bank, have expressed interest in the new designs, which could influence consumer behavior and market trends. Research communities and academic institutions, such as the London School of Economics and the University of Amsterdam, have also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the potential benefits of increased cultural awareness and engagement.

The new designs could also have a significant impact on the tourism industry, as travelers and tourists may be more likely to use euro currency when visiting countries that feature prominent historical figures. "This is a win-win for both the ECB and the tourism industry," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a tourism expert at the University of Barcelona. "By incorporating iconic figures like Marie Curie and Leonardo da Vinci, the ECB can create a more engaging and memorable euro currency, while also promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

The decision by the ECB to involve the public in the design process is part of a larger trend towards increased citizen engagement and participation in financial decision-making. The European Union's (EU) broader efforts to promote financial inclusion and stability have also highlighted the importance of involving citizens in the design and implementation of financial policies. The EU's predecessor, the European Economic Community (EEC), also conducted public consultations on the design of euro banknotes in the 1990s.