Executive summary

The Motifs Advisory Group (MAG) is an independent and multidisciplinary group established by the European Central Bank (ECB) in January 2024. Its purpose is to propose stories and motifs to illustrate the two themes selected for future euro banknotes by the Governing Council in November 2023, namely, “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”.

For both themes, the group aimed to propose motifs that would be acceptable throughout the euro area and easy for people to relate to. The group also sought a balance between motifs that are widely recognised by the public and motifs that are lesser known but have important historical relevance, especially those related to individuals, art, buildings and places. Throughout the process, the MAG members rose to the challenge of representing all euro area countries and identifying motifs that European citizens from different backgrounds would find acceptable and relatable.

The MAG has now completed its work and proposes four stories (two for “European culture” and two for “Rivers and birds”) as suitable options for the design contest.^[1] For the “European culture” theme, the MAG selected as suitable options the stories “Shared cultural spaces” and “Women as protagonists of European culture”, and for the “Rivers and birds” theme, the MAG selected “Nature as culture” and “Resilience in diversity”.

For one of the “European culture” stories (namely, “Shared cultural spaces”), three illustration options are proposed. The key elements of all the proposals are summarised below: for each proposal, there is a description of the story and associated motifs, as well as how the story unfolds across the series and on the front and reverse sides of the banknotes. More details on these proposals are provided in Annex 1. Annex 2 includes other stories and motifs that were discussed by the group but not selected for proposal.

Initial checks to identify any potential reputational risk or controversy associated with the proposals were conducted and enabled the group to finalise the current shortlist of stories and motifs. These checks are not yet exhaustive and conclusive, however. Before the launch of the design contest, the risks and rights related to the use of one individual story and associated motifs need to be further assessed.

European culture

Shared cultural spaces

Story

People in Europe have been sharing their creativity, knowledge and skills for centuries, building our collective European culture. Schools, universities, libraries, theatres, stadiums, public squares and museums are spaces in which people participate in the circulation of culture and experience some of the most significant moments in their lives. It is in these places that we develop a sense of continuity and community that connects us to the past and inspires our vision of the future.

Three options are proposed to illustrate the story “Shared cultural spaces”. For each option, Annex 1 provides detail on how the story unfolds across the series and on the front and reverse sides of the banknotes.

Motifs

Option 1 – Existing buildings and spaces

The front of the banknotes will show contemporary buildings or spaces where shared cultural activities take place, as well as people involved in these activities. The reverse will show historical buildings or spaces of the same type as those shown on the front.

Option 2 – Activities and spaces

The front of the banknotes will show typical shared cultural activities and people involved in these activities. The scenes are contemporary, the spaces and people imaginary. The reverse will show historic buildings and cultural spaces where these activities take place.

Option 3 – Activities and paintings

As for option 2, the front of the banknotes will show typical shared cultural activities and people involved in these activities. The scenes are contemporary, the spaces and people imaginary. The reverse will show paintings, or details from paintings, that represent the same type of activity and space as those shown on the front. The paintings, ranging in date from the Renaissance to the late 19th century, have been chosen for their subject-matter and are not used in chronological order.

Benefits and risks

The chosen motifs represent some of the most common spaces where European culture is expressed and exchanged. The motifs connect the present with the past, and tradition with contemporary culture. The challenge was to find motifs that are sufficiently representative in terms of gender and geographical diversity, but that are also well known and accessible to the public.

Women as protagonists in European culture

Story

Throughout the ages, social restrictions and gender biases have prevented women from playing the role they could and should play in European culture and science. Despite these constraints, many brilliant women have managed to break through the barriers and become luminaries of creativity and invention. In celebrating six remarkable figures and their achievements, we highlight Europe’s shared cultural heritage and illustrate its values of equality and inclusion.

Motifs

The front of the banknotes will show portraits of some of the most relevant women who have contributed to European science and culture. On the reverse, examples of their achievements and work will be shown.

Benefits and risks

The story is simple and easy to understand. The personalities proposed and their actions and achievements support most of the fundamental rights of the European Union (EU). The story spans several centuries and underlines European women’s role in science and culture, which spreads far beyond Europe. It also sends a message as to where Europe stands with regard to the position of women. On the other hand, the exclusion of men might be interpreted by some as a sign of gender discrimination.

Rivers and birds

Nature as culture

Story

Europe’s artistic imagination and scientific ingenuity are inextricably interwoven with the richness and diversity of its ecology. The banknotes depict rivers and birds – natural forces that are always on the move – as they have been imagined through the ages of Europe’s ever-changing cultures. The visual style of each note takes its cue from the artistic and cultural modes of the successive ages of our shared history. Europe’s nature and culture appear as the dual faces of a single, vibrant, ever-renewing energy, pulsing from the distant past into a sustainable future.

Motifs

The motifs on the front of the banknotes show representations of birds in their river habitats inspired by the artistic modes of the respective ages. The river habitats follow different stages of the river, from source to sea. On the reverse, there are objects and artefacts from different periods, represented in styles inspired by the contemporary art of that time. The images are not literal; rather, they take the visual languages of the periods in question as a source of inspiration.

Benefits and risks

The motifs bring together the two aspects that emerged from the public surveys as most appealing to the European public: nature and culture. The challenge was to play with different visual styles while retaining the feeling of a coherent series and keeping the focus on a clear storyline.

Resilience in diversity

Story

Rivers and birds know no borders. They flow freely across Europe.

Europe is a political and cultural ecosystem in which the strength of the whole derives from the richness, fluidity and variety of its different parts. We are resilient because we share an abundant multiplicity of cultures, ideas and histories. Each one helps to sustain all the others. It is the same with our natural ecosystems. Rivers and birds are always moving and adapting. They take on a dazzling range of forms. On the banknotes, they remind us that in order to sustain life, we must nurture its diversity.

Motifs

The motifs follow the different stages of the river, from source to sea. The front depicts the diversity of birds across their river habitats. The reverse shows how each stage of the river supports a different aspect of human life. It is the diversity of these European landscapes that enables human resilience in the face of profound environmental challenges.

Benefits and risks

The motifs are relatable, featuring species, landscapes and activities that most people can recognise and understand. Being nationally neutral, they are also relatable for a large proportion of countries and people of many backgrounds. They are also important representations of European environmental legislation, such as the Water Framework Directive and the Birds Directive. The challenge will be to communicate the value nature brings to people, such as water supply, recreation and agriculture, in a clear way while at the same time highlighting the need for sustainability.

1 Introduction

On 6 December 2021 the ECB announced the launch of the process for developing new themes and designs for future euro banknotes.^[2] On 29 November 2023 it was decided to move to the next phase of the re-design process, with the following two themes:

European culture: Europe’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic cultural and creative sectors strengthen the European identity, forging a shared sense of belonging. Culture promotes common values, inclusion and dialogue in Europe and across the globe. It brings people together.

Rivers and birds: Rivers and birds recognise no borders, symbolising freedom and unity amongst Europeans and our connection to nature. Europe boasts a wide variety of rivers and birds that inspire us and remind us of our responsibility to protect the environment.

On the same date, the ECB decided to establish the Motifs Advisory Group (MAG), tasked with proposing one or more stories and associated motifs for each theme. Once the final motifs have been chosen, a design competition will be launched based on this selection.

The ECB Governing Council is expected to decide on the design for future euro banknotes in 2026, taking into consideration the public’s preferences on a shortlist of designs.

2 Establishment of the Motifs Advisory Group

The Motifs Advisory Group (MAG) was set up in January 2024 to develop and propose motifs for the two themes, “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”.

The MAG brought together an independent and varied mix of experts from diverse fields such as archaeology, architecture, art history, biodiversity, ecology, environmental studies, geography, history, literature, musicology and ornithology. The experts were selected by the ECB, based also on nominations by the National Central Banks, and in consultation with the Cultural Policy unit of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and Directorate-General for Environment.

In addition to ensuring a wide range of relevant expertise, the ECB endeavoured to create a group that is as diverse as possible, representing different regions in Europe, different genders and, in so far as possible, different age groups.

Motifs Advisory Group members

• Emanuel Buttigieg, Associate Professor in Early Modern History, University of Malta
• Ángeles Caso, writer and art historian specialising in gender cultural history
• Ivan Čanjevac, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
• Benjamin Chavardès, Associate Professor, École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Lyon
• Marzia Faietti, Professor, Department of the Arts, University of Bologna, former Director of Prints and Drawings Department, Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence
• Wolfgang Fiedler, Researcher and Group Leader, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, Radolfzell
• Eneken Laanes, Professor of Comparative Literature, Tallinn University
• Demetrios Michaelides, Emeritus Professor of Classical Archaeology, University of Cyprus
• Fintan O’Toole, columnist, writer and former Professor of Irish Letters, Princeton University
• Henrique Pereira, Professor of Biodiversity Conservation, iDiv, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and CIBIO/Biopolis, University of Porto, Portugal
• Théodora Psychoyou, Professor of musicology, Director of the Institut de recherche en Musicologie (IreMus) and the Collegium Musicæ institute, Sorbonne University
• Corinna Unger, Professor of Global and Colonial History, European University Institute
• Louise Vet, Emeritus Professor in Evolutionary Ecology, Wageningen University and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)

To ensure effective work and preparation, two sub-groups were created, one for “European culture” and one for “Rivers and birds”. The cultural and communication dimensions were considered from the start of the process and members with specific expertise were involved in both sub-groups, with the ECB providing support. More details on each individual member are provided in Annex 3^[3].

3 The work of the Motifs Advisory Group

Between 30 January 2024 and 11 July 2024, the Group held seven meetings in physical and virtual format. Throughout this period the whole group worked together to ensure alignment and foster exchange, but the two sub-groups also worked independently and held meetings in sub-group format.

To facilitate the group’s work, at the outset the members received general information on banknote design and production as well as on the current euro banknotes re-design process. Additional background information was also provided during a visit to the Banca d’Italia’s printing works. The group was also informed about re-design projects at other central banks. The MAG also received the results of the public surveys on the theme of the future euro banknotes (Qualitative study on new themes for euro banknotes and Report on public preferences for new euro banknote themes) and the Theme Advisory Group report. The discussions were enriched by input gathered from students of some of the MAG members, as well as by feedback from a media expert on the possible perception of some of the stories by a younger audience.

Initially, each member of the MAG was asked to prepare a proposal including a draft story and associated motifs. These proposals were the starting point of the group’s work and included a) a story and associated motifs; b) explanations on how the story would be applied across the whole series of banknotes and on each side of a given denomination; c) the results of the assessment of each story and motifs against the set criteria; and d) any other relevant information.

4 Assessment criteria

The MAG applied five criteria for the assessment of the individual motif proposals. All stories and motifs were assessed against these criteria. The Group also used these criteria to agree on which stories and motifs should not be brought forward in the selection process.

• Relatability

The motifs should be widely relatable to European citizens and should speak to people of all ages and backgrounds, conveying positive feelings and sentiments.

• Acceptability

The motifs should be widely accepted among people living throughout the European Union. They should be inspiring and bring European citizens together.

• Diversity

The motifs should reflect diversity. Diversity should be interpreted in a broad way (depending on the theme, diversity could be understood to encompass nationality and countries, gender, age and so on.).

• Timeliness

The motifs should be inspirational and relatable to the European citizens of today and tomorrow, but can include historical motifs.

• Cultural dimension

The motifs should depict European culture in a broad and diverse manner.

Where portraits of Europeans were proposed, the following additional criteria were considered:

• Any person selected to represent the theme must have been born in Europe or have European nationality.
• Their work must demonstrate outstanding achievement.
• They must be deceased for at least 20 years.
• They must have a lasting legacy and their achievements must be considered acceptable, widely appreciated and such that the people of Europe can relate to them.

5 Assessment process and considerations

The MAG continually reassessed the stories and motifs during the group discussions. If a story and its associated motifs were not considered to fulfil one or more of the set criteria, it was not considered further. The group delivered 11 proposals that were tested against the assessment criteria. In addition to considering each motif separately, the group also concentrated on making sure that the motif proposals for the entire banknote series fit together and told a cohesive story.

Both sub-groups faced the challenge of creating easily relatable proposals that would speak to all European citizens. During the meetings, the MAG members discussed each proposal thoroughly and challenged each other’s proposals to make sure that they fit the criteria. After the initial proposals, and once the stories had been developed further, the group proposed additional motifs for each story and, in some cases, came up with alternative motifs for each denomination.

In the case of “European culture”, the personalities, activities, artwork, buildings and architectural sites proposed were assessed against the criteria mentioned in Chapter 4. The group paid particular attention to ensuring that the motifs would be as recognisable as possible, as well as diverse in terms of geographical distribution and gender. The group acknowledged early on the complexity of representing European culture on six banknotes while trying to be as representative as possible of all euro area countries. Critical assessments were carried out thoroughly by the group in order to minimise any potential controversies or risks, especially those related to individuals. The group also tried to find a balance between motifs that were easily recognisable by the public and those that were lesser known but that had significant cultural or historical relevance. The group discussed whether some lesser-known motifs could be proposed with the specific purpose of making these motifs better known to the European public. Some of the stories would naturally tend to be more accessible than others.

The MAG members agreed that stories and motifs that drew too specifically on any one national culture should be avoided, and that it was important to find stories and motifs that most people in Europe could relate to. It was felt that motifs proposed should address and confront the gender biases inherent in many representations of Europe’s past. There was a strong overall preference for imagery that could connect the banknotes to a Europe represented by human cultural activity and experience, and human interaction with nature. The MAG members proposed motifs that could convey shared European values and resonate strongly with European citizens. Equally, members were aware of the need for the banknotes to be relevant and recognisable to those who will use them in the coming decades.

In the case of “Rivers and birds”, after defining the stages of a river (river or sea landscapes), the group made thoroughly assessed each proposed bird species. The group considered each species’ habitat and how it fits together with the stages of the river, their visual attractiveness, migratory status, Europeanness (i.e. occurrence in multiple European countries) and whether the EU laws and measures taken to protect them have had an effect on their populations. They also discussed and conducted background checks on how each bird species is perceived in different parts of Europe (positive/negative) and what kind of folkloristic characteristics it has been assigned. Lastly, the group wanted to make sure that each bird would be depicted in its natural habitat for each denomination.

During the group’s discussions, the MAG members considered how to capture European values in the motif proposals for all six banknote denominations. This took different forms in the discussion, ranging from an emphasis on EU values to EU institutions, key figures in the history of the EU and EU symbols. In the case of “Rivers and birds”, the group also considered how EU environmental legislation has impacted the different bird species and their habitats. Most proposals developed by the group drew inspiration from its perception of European ideals, taking into account how the proposals might foster better understanding of European Union values today and link Europe’s shared past to its common future.

6 Outcome of the work

The Group considered a total of eleven stories: eight for “European culture” and three for “Rivers and birds” (presented in alphabetical order in Annexes 1 and 2). The stories evolved from an initial suggestion by individual group members, taking into consideration other members’ comments and suggestions. As a result, some of the initial ideas were abandoned and new ones introduced. Some ideas were merged, and others were explored and further developed into final proposals.

As a result of the group’s work, four stories are proposed altogether: two for the “European culture” theme and two for the “Rivers and birds” theme. For one of the two stories proposed for “European culture” (“Shared cultural spaces”), three different options for motifs are suggested.

6.1 European culture

The sub-group worked on a total of eight stories for the “European culture” theme. Some of these stories evolved considerably throughout the process, while others were discontinued, as they were considered either inadequate or too complex to be represented on the banknotes.

For each of the stories, the members considered one or more specific sets of motifs. When more than one set of motifs were proposed, the sub-groups discussed the different options and agreed to move forward with one consolidated list of motifs. For one story, the group proposed three possible sets of motifs.

Based on all considerations, the following two stories are proposed. These proposals have been shortlisted by the group as those that best represent the theme. The data sheets are provided in Annex 1.

From an early stage, the idea of shared cultural spaces found a strong consensus among the group. The story spotlights the sharing and exchange of human creations, knowledge and skills on which our shared European culture is built. These activities take place in spaces that are familiar to all – schools and universities, libraries, theatres, stadiums, public squares and museums. Owing to the richness and potential of the story, the group decided to translate it into three different options, as follows:

• Option 1 – The front of the banknotes will show contemporary buildings or spaces where shared cultural activities take place, as well as people involved in these activities. The reverse will show historical buildings or spaces of the same type as those shown on the front.
• Option 2 – The front of the banknotes will show typical shared cultural activities and people involved in them. The scenes are contemporary, the spaces and people imaginary. The reverse will show historic buildings and cultural spaces where these activities take place.
• Option 3 – As for option 2, the front of the banknotes will show typical shared cultural activities and people involved in them. The scenes are contemporary, the spaces and people imaginary. The reverse will show paintings or details of paintings that represent the same type of activity and space as shown on the front. The paintings selected date from the Renaissance to the late 19th century, but are not used in chronological order.

For all three options, a wide variety of motifs were considered throughout the discussions.

While a fourth option combining abstract activities on the front and famous European personalities on the reverse was considered, the complexity of this proposal led the group to disregard it as a potential option.

Women as protagonists in European culture. The story focuses on the importance of European women who, over the centuries, have been silenced, overshadowed or forgotten. While this story does not fulfil the criterion of gender diversity, the group believes that the story is nonetheless strong, because its focus is on making women visible and celebrating their achievements, reawakening the memory of their vital contributions to European culture and science.

In addition to the two stories proposed, the following six were developed and discussed. However, for a number of reasons (see below), the members decided not to shortlist them. The data sheets for these are provided in Annex 2.

Europe as messenger of peace. Although the group initially felt that the story had great potential, the members eventually agreed that, while the message was important and powerful, it would be too complex to convey the deep cultural and ethical significance of the story on six banknotes and to remain neutral on political circumstances.

European children’s stories as shared cultural heritage. This story was based on an earlier idea of European stories that cross borders. While the motifs proposed would have been accessible and easily recognisable by the public, the group concluded that the values and morals of many of these stories could be contested in today’s society.

European passions and pursuits. While some of the motifs suggested would have been accessible and recognisable to the public, the group agreed that it would be difficult to shape the motifs into a coherent story with a strong enough impact and a clear emotional appeal.

European public squares. The group decided that this story would not be developed further, but that it would be integrated into the “Shared cultural spaces” story, owing to its similarities and the overlapping of some of the motifs proposed.

The inhabited waters of Europe (water spirits across Europe). This story had also evolved from the original idea of “European stories that cross borders” based on stories from European folklore. While this story would overcome the difficulty of representing national diversity, the motifs proposed presented other challenges, such as the fact that the characters were all female, and that some carried negative connotations while others were not particularly well known. It was finally decided that owing to the prominence of the natural elements in the story, the idea would be shared with the “Rivers and birds” sub-group to provide inspiration for their work.

Plurality of people and ideas. The story aimed to shine a spotlight on Europeans who have accomplished important social and cultural achievements and helped to overcome societal taboos, thereby enriching European culture. However, the lesser-known individuals and partially controversial aspects of their lives and work might have made them too difficult for the public to accept, recognise and identify with. It was proposed that some of the individuals originally proposed for this theme could be considered for inclusion in the story “Women as protagonists in European culture”.

6.2 Rivers and birds

The sub-group started working to propose stories for the theme, and as a result proposed three possible stories: “Circularity”, “European values – connectedness and free movement” and a third one with the aim to create a link between nature and culture, called “Nature as culture – culture as nature”. Each story was supported by a range of different ideas which helped the group put together proposals for the motifs.

With “Circularity”, the group wanted to express the seasonality of nature and the significance of water as the basis for life, and to show that rivers are the veins and arteries of Europe. They also wanted to highlight the connection between rivers and birds.

The second story, “European values – connectedness and free movement” was created to depict the European story of migration and movement. By showing that we are diverse and similar at the same time, the story adheres to the EU motto, “United in diversity”.

The third story, “Nature as culture – culture as nature”, was originally created around mythology and folklore associated with nature (with an emphasis on rivers and birds) and aims to represent European cultural landscapes, among other ideas.

The group prepared proposals for the three stories, and the members analysed and compared the proposals. The group found that the stories had some overlapping elements, but that they approached the theme in three different ways. After some discussion, the members agreed on a set of motifs that could be used for each of the stories. The members agreed to choose a bird species for each denomination and depict the European river network with six stages of a river (spring, mountain stream, confined river valley, meander in an unconfined river valley, river mouth and seacoast), one stage of a river for each denomination. The group agreed that on the front side of each banknote there should be a bird species that fits the stage of the river, i.e. the birds should be depicted in their natural river/seacoast habitats. This would leave room for other types of motifs to be featured on the reverse side of the banknotes.

The group defined criteria according to which the proposed bird species would be selected. The criteria considered each bird’s habitat, migratory status, visual attractiveness, whether it can be considered European or not (i.e. its occurrence in multiple European countries), and if EU laws and measures taken to protect the bird species in question have had an effect on its population.

The group also considered different ways of representing European rivers. There was a discussion as to whether specific rivers and landscapes should be featured, but the group faced the difficulty of not being able to represent all the euro area countries, including the islands. This idea was therefore put aside. Another proposal was to represent the map of Europe together with its network of rivers. In the end, the group agreed on the idea of depicting rivers with the six different stages of a river and decided to move on with that. The six stages of the river would be typified representations rather than actual European landscapes.

The group also discussed which additional motifs could be included on the reverse side of the note if the rivers and birds were to be depicted together on the front. The ideas ranged from folkloric figures, such as water deities, to historical artefacts related to water, such as fishing nets and ancient pottery. The proposals also included motifs depicting how water sustains human life and moves and connects people and goods, such as water mills and cargo vessels. The group also wanted to depict the recreational aspect of nature by proposing motifs such as a hiker on a river trail.

In addition to the different motifs, the group also decided to propose combining the map of Europe, which will be featured on the future euro banknotes series as a common element in all denominations, with a depiction of the migratory birds’ flyways and/or the river network of Europe.

Once all this information had been gathered, the group reviewed the stories and found that two of them had several similarities and could be merged. Following this decision, a new story called “Circulation and movement” was created, based on the previous version of “Circularity”. In addition, the title of the story related to culture was shortened to “Nature as culture”. In addition to these updated stories the group decided to create a new story around diversity and to name it “Resilience in diversity”.

After these changes and updates the group prepared motif proposals for the three stories and presented them to their fellow MAG members in the other sub-group in order to hear their views. In the end, with the comments received, and after some reflection within the sub-group, the group decided to abandon “Circulation and movement” (discontinued, see Annex 2) because it did not sufficiently contrast with “Resilience in diversity”, and moved on with two stories:

“Nature as culture” (shortlisted, see Annex 1), introducing a cultural aspect, with rivers and birds represented using different artistic styles.

“Resilience in diversity” (shortlisted, see Annex 1) representing the values inherent in nature and the connection between people and nature.

These were the group’s final two proposals for the “Rivers and birds” theme and are included in this report.

Annex 1: Shortlisted stories and motifs

The following section of the report lists in alphabetical order the motif proposals that were proposed, for each theme, to the ECB Governing Council.

European culture

Shared cultural spaces

Story

Generation after generation, people in Europe have been sharing their creativity, knowledge and skills, building our collective European culture. Throughout the centuries, we have designed spaces that allow us to participate in the circulation of culture, wisdom and beauty, and to celebrate those things. Europeans all recognise the spaces in which we share cultural experiences with others. Schools and universities, libraries, theatres, stadiums, public squares and museums mean passion, emotion and passing culture down through the generations. In these places people can experience some of the most moving moments in their lives. It is here that we develop a sense of continuity and community, helping us see that we belong to something greater than ourselves. They connect us to the past, are our refuge in the present and inspire our visions of the future.

Explanation / introduction of options

Three options are proposed to illustrate the “Shared cultural spaces” story. These options focus on how the story unfolds across the series and on the front and reverse sides of the banknotes.

Option 1 – Existing buildings and spaces
The front of the banknotes will show contemporary buildings or spaces where shared cultural activities take place, as well as people involved in these activities. The reverse will show historical buildings or spaces of the same type as those shown on the front.

Motifs

Option 2 – Activities and spaces
The front of the banknotes will show typical shared cultural activities and people involved in them. The scenes are contemporary, the spaces and people imaginary.

The reverse of the banknotes will show historic buildings and cultural spaces where these activities take place.

The designer will be requested to ensure that the people represented show as much diversity as possible.

Motifs

Option 3 – Activities and paintings
As for option 2, the front of the banknotes will show typical shared cultural activities and people involved in these activities. The scenes are contemporary, the spaces and people imaginary.

The designer will be requested to ensure that the people represented show as much diversity as possible.

The reverse of the banknotes will show paintings or details of paintings that represent the same type of activity and space as those shown on the front. The paintings selected date from the Renaissance to the late 19th century, but are not used in chronological order.

Motifs

Women as protagonists in European culture

Story

Throughout the ages, social restrictions and gender biases have prevented women from playing the role they could and should play in European culture and science, or have concealed their role and achievements. Despite these constraints, many women have managed to break the barriers and become luminaries of European civilisation. Now that the role of women has taken a new and positive turn, we want to remember and celebrate some of these pioneers and give them the recognition they deserve. What these women have done transcends national barriers and has contributed to European and world culture in general. Through these important figures and their achievements, the theme highlights our common European cultural heritage and sends an eloquent message to the world as to where Europe stands with regard to a number of European values.

Motifs

The front of the banknotes will portray some of these remarkable women. The reverse will show some of their achievements and examples of their work.

The personalities are listed in chronological order across the denominations from lowest to highest; this order should be maintained to avoid precedence of one personality or one country over another. One exception is made for the last two denominations, where Marie Curie (1867-1934) follows Eileen Gray (1878-1976), who lived more recently, given Curie’s importance.

Rivers and birds

Nature as culture

Story

Europe’s artistic imagination and scientific ingenuity are inextricably interwoven with the richness and diversity of its ecology. Our sense of belonging is deeply embedded in the landscapes and the ecosystems we inhabit. They shape us and we shape them. Culture springs from nature and in turn human creativity flows back into the living world.

Rivers and birds are not bound by borders and categories. Their dynamic flows and flights have long inspired ways of thinking, making and connecting that bring together the practical and commercial aspects of human society with the sense of wonder that gives meaning to our collective lives.

In this set of motifs, the images of rivers and birds are inspired by the ever-changing and creative ways in which Europeans have responded to them across our shared history. We move through space by showing the six stages of a river and the birds that thrive in the different ecosystems. We move through time by having the visual style of each note take its cue from the artistic and cultural modes of successive ages of European history.

Taken together, the six banknotes represent Europe’s nature and culture as the dual faces of a single, vibrant, ever-renewing energy, pulsing from the distant past into a sustainable future.

Motifs

The motifs on the front of the banknotes show representations of birds in their habitats inspired by the artistic modes of the respective age. On the reverse side there are objects and artefacts from different ages, represented in styles inspired by the art of those times. The images are not literal; rather, they take the visual languages of the periods in question as a source of inspiration – a point of departure, not arrival.

Resilience in diversity

Story

Rivers and birds know no borders. They flow freely across Europe.

Diversity, connectedness and free movement are crucial values for the people of Europe. As in nature, they make our systems resilient and give us the capacity to adapt to new circumstances. This resilience is urgently needed in our dynamic and fast-changing world. In their great variety of forms, rivers and birds remind us that Europe is a cultural ecosystem in which the strength of the whole derives from the richness and variety of the parts.

We draw multiple benefits from resilient ecosystems, from having clean water to drink, to the inspiration and joy we obtain from Europe’s biodiversity. We must protect all the elements that nourish our life and that of the planet. In recognition of this, two of the most important pieces of EU environmental legislation, the Birds Directive and the Water Framework Directive, have enabled the protection of those environmental values across Member States.

The six banknotes show the six stages in the life of a river, from the tiny spring to the vast seas, and the birds that have adapted to those riverscapes and seascapes. These images show how one element – water – takes on many different forms in a wide variety of landscapes while retaining its essence. They also depict how people make use of and benefit from nature. And they showcase the wonderful range of forms bird take on, while being instantly recognisable to all of us.

Diversity does not dissolve Europe: it holds it together and gives it the strength to adapt to the challenges of the future.

Motifs

The motifs follow the different stages of the river, from source to sea. The front of the banknotes depicts the diversity of birds across their river habitats. The birds were chosen based on their visual attractiveness, migratory status, Europeanness (i.e. their occurrence in multiple European countries) and whether the EU laws and measures taken to protect the bird species have had an effect on their populations. The reverse side shows how each stage of the river supports a different aspect of human life, with each image representing a different way in which water brings value. It is the diversity of these European landscapes that enables human resilience in the face of profound environmental challenges.

Annex 2: Discontinued stories and motifs

The discontinued stories and motifs have not been fully finalized and background checked.

European culture

Europe as a messenger of peace on the world stage

Story

The construction of peace is a prerequisite for a community capable of guaranteeing not only the security of individuals, but also of the urban fabric, individual monuments, nature and every form of civil life. Throughout modern and contemporary history, Europeans have been seeking ways to achieve this. Europe experienced shattering historical tragedies before attaining stable peace for several decades after the Second World War. Today, at a time when global conflicts have spilled over into European territory, EU countries have the task of preserving the memories and defending and sharing with others the achievements made in the search for common prosperity, the promotion of the arts, the protection of the natural environment and education for peace. Europe can draw inspiration from its history and its diverse cultures to promote peace in the world. The choice of images is purely indicative and is intended to stimulate a collective discussion on the theme and the possibilities of representing it as clearly as possible.

Motifs

European children’s stories as shared heritage

Story

Europe is united by children’s stories that have crossed national borders and have been read by many generations of European citizens. Humans are a storytelling species. From early childhood children listen, watch and read stories to make sense of the world and to learn how to understand and treat other human beings, animals and the environment. The pictures accompanying these stories capture the imaginations of young people and shape their values. The stories we learn to love as children do not come only from our immediate cultural environment or national literature, but also from other regions and cultures in Europe. Many stories written in one European language have been translated into others, forming a shared cultural heritage. That cultural heritage appeals to many of us in a way that is mysterious and timeless, yet also immediate and engaging.

Motifs

The motifs represent iconic children’s stories from European folklore and literature. These stories have been read by different generations of Europeans and have come to represent values that are important to us as individuals and societies.

On the front, the main character of the story is represented. The chosen characters are iconic figures who are also easy to identify visually. On the reverse, one or more motifs from the story highlight the moral of the story and the values it represents.

In the design, the historical/iconic illustrations can also serve to highlight the work of the illustrators of these stories, which has greatly influenced their popularity.

European passions and pursuits

Story

Throughout history, certain passions and pursuits have been important for people in Europe – love and beauty, creativity, freedom and civil liberties, unity in diversity, human dignity and care. These passions and pursuits have all found expression in European culture. European sculptures, among other art forms, have crystallised these values and given them an iconic tangible form that is familiar to everybody in Europe. In their physical form, these sculptures express the aesthetics and technical culture of the age in which they were made and carry the traces of the places in Europe where they were crafted.

Motifs

The motifs include famous sculptures from the different ages of European culture. They have been chosen to represent the varied passions and pursuits that have been important to people in Europe.

As the motifs on the front represent different artistic styles and ages, the reverse designs could be more abstract and modern, to avoid the banknotes looking too “historical”.

European public squares

Story

The European Union is a shared space. Like a public square, it is a gathering place open to all. It’s a place of visibility through co-presence, a place of interaction, contact and encounter, of creation and exchange. It’s a space for free and critical thought.

These six banknotes map Europe through the meeting places that are its public squares. The common good is as much a heritage, a space, a value and an objective as it is a challenge and a condition for continuing to build a shared future.

Motifs

On the front, the motif is a European square or public space. Each space is symbolic of a type of collective activity that takes place there: a space for philosophical exchange, a commercial space, a place of mobility, a cultural space, a political space and a place for socialising. Every space is occupied and appropriated by people.

On the reverse, a work of art illustrates the different collective activities carried out in public squares and spaces across Europe.

The inhabited waters of Europe: water sprites across Europe

Story

European mythology is strongly inspired by observations and interpretations of nature. Since ancient times, European people have imagined any body of water, whether in the form of the sea, lakes, springs or rivers, as being inhabited by nymphs and sprites. This is the way Europeans have imagined and tried to make sense of their relationship with nature – a fascination comprising an element of awe. The names and specific nature of these spirits may vary from area to area within Europe, but the feelings inspired by water are common to all. In some cases, even the names of the spirits are common to all. European art (music, painting, sculpture etc.) has always been inspired by nature, and this connection is particularly prominent in mythical depictions of water. Furthermore, various plants and animals have been named after these water spirits, a fact that forms a further bridge between nature, culture and science.

Motifs

On the front of the banknotes, the story is represented by the general association of water with a variety of nymphs and sprites (often with common characteristics) throughout European mythology and folklore (both ancient and more recent).

On the reverse, flora and fauna that have been named after these creatures could be shown.

Plurality of ideas and people

Story

Europe’s past, present, and future is immensely rich because of its plurality. European culture, in turn, has been shaped by the activities of individuals and social groups from a variety of backgrounds, many of whom have been forgotten over time or written out of history. The banknotes highlight people whose work has contributed to shaping European society in the modern period. It presents individuals who, against many obstacles, helped to overcome taboos and limitations that effectively marginalised individuals and social groups. In doing so, they opened the doors to a more pluralistic, democratic and inclusive European culture. Their influence was not confined to a specific region, empire or nation state but was genuinely European in nature, in many cases connecting Europe with other parts of the world. Their achievements and contributions deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated. Importantly, they can serve as inspiration for younger generations to overcome limitations and boundaries and work towards plurality in society and culture.

Motifs

The front of the banknotes will show some of the lesser-known individuals whose work has contributed to shaping European society.

The reverse of the banknotes will show abstract images connected to the work, achievements and contributions of these individuals.

Rivers and birds

Circulation and movement

Story

The European Union is all about circulation: of people, of goods and services, of ideas, images and inspirations. The motifs on the banknotes express these themes of circulation and connection through the tangible but mysterious life of rivers and birds – both forces that are simultaneously constant and always in motion.

Water is life: without it we do not exist. It is always flowing. It takes different forms, from the tiny raindrop to the spring to the stream to the river, the delta, the sea and back again. Yet its essence remains the same.

The six banknotes show the six stages in the life of a river, from the tiny spring to the vast seas (and back again), and the birds that visit and inhabit those riverscapes and seascapes. The motifs convey the twin ideas of flow and flux on the one hand and continuity and reassurance on the other.

Birds also embody the circularity and fluidity of life. In their coming and going, they mark the turn of the seasons and remind us of the wonder of the natural world. If we sustain them, they sustain us.

Rivers and birds do not recognise borders. Rivers and seas are our first roads. They have always been Europe’s veins and arteries, carrying travellers, trade, adventure and exchange. Through them, Europe’s history flows into its future. And birds have also long been images of freedom and aspiration, of escape from tyranny and of the joy of the imagination.

Motifs

The front of the banknotes depicts birds in their habitats. The reverse shows human activity connected to movement and water.

Annex 3: Members of the Motifs Advisory Group and ECB members