The proposals are divided between “European culture” and “Rivers and birds.” The cultural series features notable Europeans on the front, including Marie Curie, born Maria Skłodowska, on the €20 note, alongside Ludwig van Beethoven, Miguel de Cervantes and Leonardo da Vinci on other denominations. The nature designs pair European rivers and bird species on the front with EU institutions on the reverse. Current banknotes use windows, doorways and bridges inspired by European architectural periods. The ECB says the consultation is intended to gather opinions rather than rank the designs. The Governing Council is expected to choose a final design around the end of 2026, followed by testing and production before the new notes enter circulation.