Why new banknotes?
The ECB and the national central banks (NCBs) of the Eurosystem are responsible for the integrity of euro banknotes. So they have developed a second series of euro banknotes with enhanced security features which will help to make the banknotes even more secure and maintain public confidence in the currency.
Keeping ahead of counterfeiters
The new euro banknotes benefit from advances in banknote technology. The new security features offer better protection against counterfeiting and make the banknotes even more secure.
The Eurosystem’s research and development strategy states that euro banknotes need to be “self-defending”, thereby making life difficult for counterfeiters. Credit institutions, professional cash handlers and the public need to be able to recognise counterfeit banknotes and thus help to support the Eurosystem’s anti-counterfeiting strategy.
Tough and longer-lasting
The new euro banknotes will be more durable than the first series. They will not need to be replaced as quickly. That’s important, especially for the €5 banknote, as it is subject to a lot of wear and tear. Its longer life will also reduce the new banknote’s environmental impact.
Extensive R&D
Banknotes are highly sophisticated products; it takes years of research and development to produce new ones.
