Kirchberg on the Euro

The European Central Bank has been working on a redesign of euro banknotes since late 2021. After consulting EU citizens and an independent panel of experts, two themes emerged: European Culture, featuring notable historic European figures, and Rivers and Birds, illustrated through various bird species. The ECB invited professional graphic designers from across the EU to compete, and from 1,241 submissions, 25 designers were selected to develop proposals. The field was then narrowed to 10 designs, five for each theme.[1]

One of the shortlisted designs depicts European Union institutions on the reverse side of the notes. The proposed 50 and 200 euro notes in this design feature the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Auditors, both located in the Kirchberg district of Luxembourg City. So if this design wins, Luxembourg's skyline will sit in wallets across the continent.[1]

The public can now vote for their favourite design online until September 21.[2]

However, the design with the most public votes will not necessarily be the one printed. The ECB will also conduct a representative survey of euro area residents, seek the input of a jury, and assess each design for technical feasibility before making a final decision. The new banknotes are expected to enter circulation towards the end of the 2020s, after detailed development and extensive testing.[1]

Luxembourg is a small country that hosts major European institutions. The Court of Justice has been in Luxembourg since 1952, the Court of Auditors since 1977. Both sit on the Kirchberg plateau, a district that also holds the Philharmonie, the Mudam, and parts of the University of Luxembourg. Kirchberg is where Luxembourg's European identity is most visible. Putting these buildings on the euro would be a quiet acknowledgment of that role.[1]