Legendary Greek Soprano Reaches ECB Final
Legendary Greek opera singer Maria Callas has moved one step closer to appearing on the new €5 banknote, after being featured in the designs shortlisted by the European Central Bank for the next series of euro banknotes
Callas is the proposed face of the €5 note in the design concepts based on the theme “European culture”. She appears alongside some of Europe’s most influential cultural and historical figures: Ludwig van Beethoven on the €10 note, Marie Curie Skłodowska on the €20 note, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra on the €50 note, Leonardo da Vinci on the €100 note and Bertha von Suttner on the €200 note.
The ECB has also unveiled proposals based on a second theme, “Rivers and birds”, celebrating Europe’s natural heritage, ecological diversity and resilience.
Europeans invited to have their say
The ECB has launched an online public survey on the ten design proposals that reached the final stage. People across Europe can review the shortlisted designs and express their preferences until September 21, 2026.
The process is not a binding public vote. However, citizens’ feedback will be considered alongside the design jury’s conclusions and a technical assessment of the proposals.
The EU-wide competition attracted more than 1,200 applications from graphic designers. Twenty-five designers were invited to develop proposals for one or both themes, with an independent jury of 21 experts in graphic design, communication, neuroscience and history selecting the ten finalists.
Among the shortlisted designers in the “European culture” category is Greek designer Myrsini Vardopoulou, whose entry is listed as “Design E”. Vardopoulou has designed several Greek postage stamps, including one issued in 2023 to commemorate the centenary of Maria Callas’ birth.
Final decision expected by the end of 2026
The ECB’s Governing Council is expected to select the final design proposal around the end of 2026. The winning concept will then undergo further development and technical testing before production begins.
The new banknotes will not enter circulation immediately but are expected to be introduced in subsequent years. Banknotes from previous euro series will retain their value and continue circulating alongside the new notes.
This will be the first complete redesign of euro banknotes since their initial introduction in 2002. The new series will incorporate enhanced security features, improved accessibility for visually impaired people and measures aimed at reducing its environmental footprint.
The possible appearance of Maria Callas on the €5 banknote would represent a major international distinction for Greece and a lasting recognition of the celebrated soprano’s invaluable contribution to European and world cultural heritage.
Europeans can view the shortlisted proposals and participate in the public survey through the official European Central Bank announcement.
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