Callas, Beethoven, bee-eaters or storks: competition seeks to redesign euro notes
The EU is using a currency redesign as an opportunity to be less neutral and try some finely balanced identity-building Is Europe best represented by the bold intellect of Marie Curie, the sprawling imagination of Miguel de Cervantes and the intense musical genius of Ludwig van Beethoven? Or by a migrating stork and a bee-eater, swooping across borderless plains and enjoying freedom of movement…
The European Central Bank is seeking public input to redesign the euro banknotes, moving away from the neutral motifs currently featured. The new notes, set to be introduced in 2030 or 2031, will either depict cultural figures or wildlife, with five proposals in each category. The proposed cultural figures include Marie Curie, Miguel de Cervantes, and Ludwig van Beethoven, as well as Maria Callas, Bertha von Suttner, Leonardo da Vinci, and Bertha von Suttner.
The wildlife-themed designs feature the wallcreeper, kingfisher, bee-eater, white stork, avocet, and northern gannet against various European landscapes. The public has until September 21st to vote on the designs through an online survey, which will factor into the final decision made by a jury of designers. The new notes aim to foster a greater sense of European identity while also incorporating security features to prevent counterfeiting.
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