The euro is entering a new era, and Greece will play a prominent role in its look. According to an article by Christos Drogaris, in protothema.gr, the European Central Bank (ECB) has confirmed that new banknotes will be released in 2026, with Maria Callas chosen as the face of the new €5 note.
The legendary Greek soprano, known worldwide as La Divina, is among six figures representing Europe’s cultural heritage.
This choice gives the euro an even stronger Greek identity, alongside the decision to keep the word “ευρώ” printed in Greek — a detail secured at the 1995 EU Summit in Madrid. That decision, described at the time as a personal gesture by German Chancellor Helmut Kohl to Greece, ensured the Greek script would appear on all euro notes, underlining the country’s historical and cultural weight in Europe.
The redesign follows two earlier series of banknotes. Instead of architectural themes, the new notes will celebrate both Europe’s cultural icons and its natural beauty under two axes: “European Culture” and “Rivers and Birds.”
Along with Callas, other figures include Beethoven (€10), Curie (€20), Cervantes (€50), da Vinci (€100), and von Suttner (€200). Designs for the nature-themed series are being finalized through an EU-wide competition among graphic artists.
At the same time, the rare €500 note continues its quiet withdrawal, though it remains legal tender, while Bulgaria prepares to join the eurozone in January 2026.
For Greece, the presence of Callas and the continued use of the Greek word “ευρώ” are more than symbolic – they affirm the nation’s place in the shared European identity and in the very fabric of the common currency.
Source: protothema.gr
