Imagine, for a moment, that you go to the bakery, pay for a coffee with a 5-euro note, and instead of the imaginary bridges we've known since 2002, you come face to face with the face of Maria Callas. Or, you buy a newspaper with a 20-euro note and find a white stork staring back at you. Sounds like science fiction? Well, it's more real than you think!

The European Central Bank (ECB) has very recently revealed the ten shortlisted designs for the new generation of euro banknotes. This is the first complete redesign since the single currency entered circulation over 20 years ago. And it's not just any change – we're talking about a true aesthetic revolution.

Get ready, because this story involves Maria Callas, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, and even birds that cross borders. And best of all, the final decision is partly in your hands.

The big change: goodbye bridges, hello personalities (or birds)

Those who lived through the early days of the euro remember the notes with bridges, windows, and gateways, inspired by different European architectural styles. They were deliberately designed to be generic, so as not to favour any specific country.
Now, the ECB has decided to take a risk. Instead of fictional elements, the notes may feature real figures or natural elements recognisable to all Europeans. The intention is clear: to create notes that are "meaningful to Europeans of all ages and backgrounds". And believe me, the two options on the table are enough to leave any goldsmith (or art lover) with their jaw on the floor.

Theme 1: "European Culture" – The giants of history in your pocket

If this theme wins, your wallet will become a small portable museum. Each note will pay tribute to a personality who marked European history.
Let's take a guided tour of the future notes (if culture wins):

Theme 2: "Rivers and Birds" – Nature as a symbol of unity

The second proposal is radically different. Instead of human faces, the notes would feature European birds in river landscapes, symbols of the continent's biodiversity. The logic is beautiful: "Birds and rivers know no borders". They thus symbolise European freedom and unity.
So here is the fauna that could end up in your wallet:

And Portugal? Are we left out?

This is the question nobody wants to ignore. No Portuguese historical figure is among the personalities chosen for the culture theme. Not Camões, not Fernando Pessoa, not our beloved Amália.
But there is hope. It is still possible that a Portuguese river landscape and a bird that inhabits our territory will appear in the "Rivers and Birds" theme. The white stork, for example, is a bird that visits Portugal. If nature wins, perhaps we will have a "piece" of Portugal in our wallets.

How can we participate in the choice?

Until September 21, 2026, any European citizen can express their opinion on the ten shortlisted designs, through an online survey on the ECB website.
The ECB Governing Council will make the final decision at the end of 2026, taking into account:

• The opinion of the independent jury.
• The results of the public survey.
• The results of a separate survey, conducted by an independent company, with a representative sample of euro area citizens.
• A technical assessment.

The final decision will therefore be a combination of expert vision and the will of Europeans.

When will we see the new notes?

This is where patience is needed. After the final design is chosen, production does not begin immediately. The design will still have to be developed in detail, tested, and subjected to rigorous security checks.
The new series should only enter circulation in a few years' time. In other words, don't get rid of your current notes just yet. They will retain their value and continue to circulate alongside the new notes for a long time.

What does this have to do with Lusijoia?

Of course, this is a jewellery blog. But doesn't this change to the euro also feel like a celebration of European identity, just as Portuguese jewellery celebrates our identity?
Just as the future notes may feature the works of Leonardo da Vinci, our jewellery features the technique of filigree. Just as the 20-euro note may honour Marie Curie, our 19.2kt Portuguese gold pieces honour the goldsmithing tradition of our country.
The euro is going to change its face. Our jewellery also evolves, but it keeps its soul. Whichever note you use to buy a Lusijoia piece, the quality, the history, and the "made in Portugal" remain.

And you, have you already chosen your side? Do you prefer a note with the face of Maria Callas or a note with a kingfisher? Comment, vote here and, if you want a piece of jewellery to celebrate this new era, you know where to find us.

Note from the team: Money changes, fashions change, but the quality and tradition of Portuguese jewellery remain. Come and see our pieces – paid for with the old euro or the new euro, the value of what is well made is eternal.

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