New euro banknotes: Beethoven and Marie Curie compete with birds

German composer Ludwig van Beethoven could be one of the faces on euro banknotes, in the first redesign to refresh their appearance. In a process that began in 2021 and included a public inquiry and two advisory groups, the European Central Bank (ECB) has selected two themes for the redesign.

The bank has called for design suggestions on two possible themes: “Iconic European personalities who have contributed to building Europe’s cultural heritage” – including Maria Callas, Beethoven, Marie Curie, Miguel de Cervantes and Leonardo da Vinci – or rivers and birds “that highlight the diversity of Europe’s natural ecosystem”

Christine Lagarde, the president of the ECB, has said that banknotes will be redesigned for the first time in 20 years, to better connect with Europeans of all ages and backgrounds.

"The new banknotes will symbolize our common European identity and the diversity that makes us strong," she said, commenting on the first redesign since the launch of the euro on January 1, 2002.

There are two tables of options, listing the 5-euro note with the singer Callas, which on the reverse will have musical performers entertaining passersby, or a Beethoven on the 10-euro note along with “a music festival with a children’s and youth choir singing.” The 200-euro note will feature Bertha von Suttner, the Austrian pacifist and the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. And on the 20-euro note is the option for the Polish-French scientist, Marie Curie.

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As for “rivers and birds”, the 200 euro note features a beach landscape with a Northern Gannet flying over the ocean waves, while the Court of Auditors will be in the background. The European Parliament is featured on the 5 euro note, with spring and a “Wallcreeper bird (known for its distinctive colours) near a mountain” on the back.

The ECB has not issued a 2016-euro note since 500 due to concerns about the risk of counterfeiting. Rob Wainwright, then director of Europol, told Dutch broadcaster NOS that the note was suitable for crime.

"What we see at Europol is that criminals and terrorists are using the 500-euro note... as their preferred tool." "A million euros in 500-euro notes can be transported in a very small bag - very convenient for these criminals and terrorists."

Key European figures chosen by the ECB could spark debate, according to Reuters, as only six of the 20 eurozone countries are represented. Initial reactions on social media have been critical. There have been calls to focus more on price stability than on new banknotes.

"Don't fall for the 'we love Europe' slogan," said one commentator on "X." "Buy gold, silver, and commodities."

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The design controversy over the euro coins is nothing new. When they were created by Austrian designer Robert Kalina, they featured “the ages and styles of Europe” with seven abstract, fictional bridges representing different architectural periods, rather than a specific historical figure or place. However, all of these “neutral bridges” now belong to the Netherlands, after designer Robin Stam recreated them in his home town of Spijkenisse in 2011.

The ECB must now organise a competition for European designers, a jury and public consultation on the shortlist, and a decision by the governing council before starting the two-year process of putting these new banknotes into circulation. The cost is estimated at around 5-8 cents per note.