European Central Bank Prepares Design for New Euro Banknotes

(Patria) - The European Central Bank is preparing the design for new euro banknotes.

Seven themes have been selected that should represent European values, and a special group is collecting opinions from all citizens of the eurozone.

The first euro banknotes were put into circulation 21 years ago. Since then, they have been upgraded with security features. But what is on them?

Each euro banknote features windows or doors. There are no major historical figures.

On the reverse sides are bridges. They symbolise the European spirit, openness, and communication.

And similar messages should be conveyed on the banknotes of the new series.

Precisely because of the rich cultural and historical heritage, it would be difficult to select only six people or locations from all eurozone countries for the six banknotes that the euro has - explains the executive director of the Cash Sector at the Croatian National Bank (HNB).

For the design of the new banknotes, one of seven themes promoting European values is being chosen, reports HRT.

- All these themes are actually motivated by some general values of the European Union contained in the Lisbon Treaty, namely human dignity, freedom, democracy - says Tihomir Mavriček, executive director of the Cash Sector at the HNB.

The future theme should be selected by next year, when a competition for the design of the new euros will be announced.