Euro Banknotes
History, design, security features and curiosities of Europe's banknotes.
Explore by series
First series
2002 - 2013
The first generation of euro banknotes featuring the "Ages and styles of Europe".
Europa series
2013 - present
Enhanced security and subtle design evolutions across all denominations.
Future banknotes
In design
Follow the confirmed ECB themes, design contest and next milestones.
Explore by theme
Security
Features, technologies and verification methods explained.
Serial numbers
Structure, printing process and rarity insights.
Signatures
ECB signatures through time and their significance.
Legal tender
Status, acceptance and legal framework across Europe.
Curiosities
Euro-related objects, proposals and souvenirs kept in context.
The evolution of euro banknotes
- 1999
The euro is introduced as a currency for electronic payments and accounting.
- 2001
Greece joins the euro area before the launch of euro cash.
- 2002
Introduction of the first euro banknotes.
- 2007
Slovenia becomes the first country to adopt the euro after the original launch phase.
- 2008
Cyprus and Malta adopt the euro together on 1 January.
- 2009
Slovakia adopts the euro as the sixteenth member of the euro area.
- 2011
Estonia adopts the euro at the start of a new decade of enlargement.
- 2012
The ECB announces the Europa series, the second generation of euro banknotes.
- 2013
Launch of the Europa series with enhanced security.
- 2014
Latvia adopts the euro while the Europa series is being rolled out.
- 2015
Lithuania adopts the euro and completes the Baltic trio in the euro area.
- 2019
New 100 and 200 euro notes complete the Europa series.
- 2021
Work on the next euro banknote series begins.
- 2023
Croatia adopts the euro and becomes the twentieth member of the euro area.
- 2025
Motifs selected and the design contest launched.
- 2026
Ten future-banknote designs are shortlisted and opened to public consultation.
Sources and images
Where to verify facts and reproductions
Every article lists the sources used. Institutional information comes mainly from the ECB and national central banks; banknote reproductions follow ECB rules and include the required credits.
View sources and credits