There will be new euro banknotes. This could be displayed on them – TVNOVINY.sk

The European System of Central Banks is considering deciding on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the introduction of euro banknotes, which will take place on 1 January 2022, on the possibility of displaying the faces of well-known Europeans on banknotes of the single European currency. However, the issuance of new euro banknotes is likely to take several years, the Belgian daily Les Echos reported on Monday.

The Eurosystem, the European System of Central Banks, is made up of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the central banks of the euro area Member States. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the first euro banknotes, the Eurosystem is considering depicting the faces of famous Europeans on banknotes currently in use in 19 Euroblock member countries and six other non-EU countries. The well-known culture of Europe’s monuments could also appear on them.

Proposals prepared by a group of experts will be submitted to European citizens for consultation. This innovation will also have to be approved by the ECB’s Governing Council. Given the times needed to accept new proposals and produce banknotes, it is more than likely that new euro banknotes will see the light of day in a few years.

The euro is currently the only currency in the world that does not display celebrities on its banknotes. According to some Member States, this reflects the lack of unity of the European Union. The central motifs of current euro banknotes are European epochs and architectural styles in the order in which they are historically linked. On the obverse of the banknotes are windows and gates, which symbolize the spirit of cooperation and openness. On the reverse side, there are bridges, which are a symbol of mutual communication.

Les Echos pointed out that the appearance of some well-known figures on European banknotes would also raise concerns about the “jealousy” of those Member States whose celebrities do not find themselves on a common currency. That is why the general public will vote on the proposals prepared by the group of experts.