Beethoven or birds — but no room on new euro notes for Irish cultural icons

The European Central Bank (ECB) is considering using European cultural figures on the front of its next series of euro banknotes but 14 of the 20 countries that use the currency, including Ireland, will not be represented.

In an update on this long-running plan to update the euro banknotes, the ECB announced that it has selected motifs to illustrate the two possible themes for future euro banknotes.

The first option, ‘European culture’, focuses on shared cultural spaces and famous Europeans. The second is ‘Rivers and birds’ and focuses on the resilience and diversity of the natural world.

In ascending order of banknote value, the proposed ‘European culture’ banknotes would be:

Greek opera singer Maria Callas (€5);
Composer Ludwig van Beethoven (€10);
Polish-French scientist Marie Curie (€20);
Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes (€50);
Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci (€100);
Austrian peace activist Bertha von Suttner (€500).

The reverse will feature cultural events or facilities such as a song festival or a library.

The alternative motif will feature birds and rivers on the front of the notes, and European institutions including the ECB itself on the reverse.

However, the names for the European culture motif may prove controversial as just six countries are represented.

This year, the ECB will establish a jury and launch a design contest, which will be open to designers from across the European Union to make submissions based on the motifs.

Next year, the ECB will ask the public which designs they prefer based on a shortlist. The ECB’s Governing Council is expected to make the final decision on the designs in 2026. The new banknotes will be ready to enter circulation some years after this decision and following the production process.

“We are excited to present these real-life motifs that reflect our commitment to Europe and celebrate its cultural heritage and natural environment,” said ECB president Christine Lagarde. “The new banknotes will symbolise our shared European identity and the diversity that makes us strong.”