The European Central Bank (ECB) has today launched a public consultation with European citizens, which will last until August 31, on new issues for the next series of euro banknotes.
In a statement, the institution directed by Christine Lagarde calls on European citizens to give their opinion, through a survey available on the ECB website and which will take place between Monday and August 31, on seven topics proposed for the new series of notes
“We want Europeans to identify with the design of the euro banknotes, so they will have an active role in selecting the new theme,” the ECB president said, quoted in a statement, about the banknotes the central bank is looking for. to be safer and with less environmental impact.
Citizens will be able to give their opinion on shortlisted themes, including “Our Europe, Ourselves”, “Birds: Free, Resilient and Inspiring”, “European Culture”, “Hands on: Together We Build Europe”, “The Future Belongs to You”. ”, “Rivers: the waters of life in Europe” or “European values reflected in nature”.
According to the institution, some of the selected themes are more abstract than others and the descriptions of the themes and the associated narratives “only intend to convey the central idea, which will be developed and interpreted in the subsequent creation of the new euro banknote design.” .
The ECB will use the results of the surveys to select the theme by 2024, which will be followed by a competition for the design of the new banknotes, with the ECB expected to decide in 2026 on the future design and the start of production. and issuance of new banknotes.
“We are working on a new series of technically sophisticated banknotes, with a view to preventing counterfeiting and reducing environmental impact,” explained Fabio Panetta, member of the ECB Executive Board.
The issuance of new series of banknotes is common among central banks, for which reason the ECB justifies that, in addition to the issue of security, “it undertakes to reduce the environmental impact of euro banknotes throughout their life cycle, also making them more meaningful and inclusive.” for Europeans of all ages and backgrounds, including vulnerable groups such as blind and partially sighted people”.
Source: TSF
