The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) on Friday called on citizens to take part in a Europe-wide survey launched by the European Central Bank (ECB), inviting the public to help choose the design of the next series of euro banknotes.

The online consultation follows the ECB’s unveiling of ten shortlisted design proposals, marking the next stage in what will become the first complete redesign of euro banknotes since their introduction in 2002.

In a statement, the CBC encouraged people in Cyprus to participate in the ECB’s online survey and contribute their views on the future appearance of Europe’s common currency.

The CBC said the shortlisted proposals emerged from a European Union-wide design competition that attracted more than 1,200 graphic designers.

From those entries, 25 designers were invited to develop proposals based on one or both of the two selected themes, European culture and Rivers and birds.

An independent jury comprising 21 experts in fields including graphic design, communication, neuroscience and history, with each member nominated by a euro area national central bank, selected the ten proposals that have now been shortlisted.

The ECB has invited people across Europe to examine the proposals and express their preferences through an online survey, which will remain open until September 21, 2026.

At the same time, an independent research company will conduct a parallel survey using the same questions among a representative sample of euro area citizens.

The CBC said citizens’ participation would help shape the future appearance of Europe’s common currency and encouraged as many people as possible to contribute their views.

The ECB has said it will publish a report on the findings of both surveys after the final design concept has been selected.

Officials said public participation forms a central part of the Eurosystem’s approach, ensuring citizens’ views are reflected in the decision-making process.

“Euro banknotes are more than a means of payment. They are one of the most tangible expressions of Europe,” said ECB President Christine Lagarde.

“Through designs that combine beauty and meaning, they will reinforce our shared identity,” Lagarde added.

The ECB’s Governing Council is expected to choose the final design proposal towards the end of the year, taking into account the results of both surveys, the assessment of the Design Contest Jury and the technical evaluation.

Following that decision, the selected design will undergo further refinement and testing before production begins.

The ECB said the new banknotes would incorporate enhanced security and accessibility features, including improvements for visually impaired users.

It also said efforts would be made to reduce the environmental footprint of the new series by improving durability and adopting more sustainable materials and production methods.

“The redesign of the euro banknotes is part of a long-term effort by the Eurosystem to ensure that cash remains a secure, efficient and relatable means of payment, preserving citizens’ access to public money and their freedom to choose how to pay,” said Piero Cipollone, member of the ECB Executive Board.

The ECB added that issuing new banknote series periodically allows authorities to benefit from technological advances while staying ahead of counterfeiting threats.

Existing euro banknotes will retain their value and continue to circulate alongside the new series once the redesigned notes enter circulation in the years ahead.