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For the first time in 24 years since the euro was introduced in 2002, the designs on euro banknotes are undergoing a full overhaul. The European Central Bank (ECB) is running an online survey across 10 design concepts through the 21st (local time) to assess public preferences. / Captured from the European Central Bank (ECB) website

The designs on euro banknotes are undergoing a complete redesign for the first time in 24 years since their introduction.

According to local French media outlet Ouest-France on the 17th local time, the European Central Bank (ECB) is conducting an online survey through the 21st to gather public input ahead of the full overhaul.

Launched in late July, the survey covers 10 design concepts shortlisted by the ECB under two themes: "European Culture" and "Rivers and Birds." The European Culture theme features portraits of historical European figures, including French-Polish scientist Marie Curie on the 20-euro note, German composer Ludwig van Beethoven on the 10-euro note, and Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci on the 100-euro note.

The Rivers and Birds theme captures Europe's rivers alongside native bird species such as the kingfisher on the 10-euro note, the stork on the 50-euro note, and the pied avocet on the 100-euro note, reflecting themes of freedom and the interconnectedness of nature and culture.

When first issued in 2002, euro banknotes adopted neutral architectural designs to maintain equity among member states. Ouest-France reported that the new designs are intended to foster a stronger sense of shared European identity and natural heritage beyond national borders.

On the 14th, a week before the survey closes, the ECB announced that more than 9 million people had participated in the consultation on future banknote designs. Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB's Executive Board, hailed the initiative as one of the most successful public consultations ever conducted in Europe.

The final designs will be chosen by the end of this year by the 27-member ECB Governing Council, led by President Christine Lagarde, which will synthesize feedback from the design competition jury, technical evaluations, and the results of the public survey.

The newly redesigned euro banknotes, which will incorporate enhanced anti-counterfeiting features, environmentally friendly materials, and inclusive elements for the visually impaired, are scheduled to enter circulation in 2029.

The ECB emphasized that cash remains a vital payment method despite the rise of digital payments. It added that cash continues to serve as an indispensable cornerstone of the single currency, and that the overhaul was decided to integrate new security features and sustainable materials into euro banknotes.

According to the ECB, approximately 31 billion euro banknotes are currently in circulation worldwide, representing a total value exceeding 1.6 trillion euros.

                                                                                                               Lim Yu-jung