Could an American-Born Singer Appear on Euro Bank Notes?

The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled a shortlist of designs for the first major euro bank note redesign  since their introduction in 2002. Europeans are invited to help choose the future appearance of their paper currency. Two themes are competing for public support: European birds and rivers, and European culture. The designs emerged after a 2023 public consultation that attracted more than 365,000 responses, followed by more than 1,200 submissions from designers across the European Union.

The culture-themed notes feature figures including Ludwig van Beethoven, Marie Curie, Miguel de Cervantes, Leonardo da Vinci, and Bertha von Suttner. One submission even includes an American-born singer, the Greek-American opera star Maria Callas. The alternative designs highlight European birds, including the kingfisher, white stork, avocet, and northern gannet.

Voting remains open until mid-September. Once a final design is selected, the new notes will enter circulation gradually. Existing euro bank notes will remain valid, while the redesigned series will include enhanced security features.