There are currently two series of euro banknotes in circulation. The first series comprises seven different denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.
The second series, or Europa series, consists of six denominations (the €500 banknote is not included).
The Eurosystem is currently working on a third series of euro banknotes.
All the banknotes of the first series are gradually being replaced by the Europa series banknotes. However, they are all still legal tender, including the €500 banknote which has no longer been issued since 2019. The fact that they are legal tender means that they can be used as a means of payment and a store of value (i.e. to purchase and save).
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The Eurosystem is working on the design of a new series of banknotes in which citizens are playing a very important role.
The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) selected “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” as the possible themes to choose from for future euro banknotes. The decision takes into account the results of surveys, for the European public to express their preferences from seven shortlisted themes.
In 2025, a design contest was launched for designers residing in the European Union, following which the ECB shortlisted ten proposals for future banknotes. During the summer of 2026, it invited European citizens to share their views on these designs through a survey. The Governing Council is expected to select the final design by the end of 2026, taking into account citizens' opinions.
The Eurosystem will then work on turning the selected designs into banknotes and on their production and issuance, so it will still be several years before the new banknotes reach our wallets. The current banknotes will remain valid and will coexist with the new banknotes in the future.
More information on future banknotes
You can find more information on the ECB website:
