The euro captures a new face: banknotes with birds in the future

The European Central Bank (ECB) announces a redesign of the euro banknotes, which will include animal themes, especially birds, to reflect the diversity of Europe's natural ecosystems. This initiative is part of a broader process of banknote development, aimed at increasing sustainability and reducing the ecological impact of production. Among the birds suggested for the new banknotes are the wallcreeper, the blue heron, the stork, the white stork, the avocet, and the spear. The ECB launched a design competition in July 2025, and the winning designs will be presented at the end of 2026. Although the new banknotes will circulate alongside the old ones, the ECB estimates that the first banknotes with animal themes will not be available in wallets for several years.