New €uro 20 banknote starts circulating today

USPA NEWS - ● New €20 banknote enters into circulation today
● New note is more resistant to counterfeiting
● Eurosystem has provided materials to facilitate the adaptation of banknote equipment to the new €20 The new €20, the third in the Europa series, enters into circulation today.

It has a refreshed look and more vibrant colours, and includes a new kind of security feature: a “portrait window“ near the top of the hologram stripe which becomes transparent when seen against the light. The window reveals a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, which is visible on both sides of the note. The same portrait is also visible in the watermark, alongside an emerald number which displays an effect of the light moving up and down when the note is tilted ““ exactly like in the €5 and €10 of the Europa series. A video entitled “Discover the new €20 banknote“ in 23 European Union languages provides further information on the new note and how to check it.

Background The Eurosystem has supported and encouraged European industry associations, banknote equipment manufacturers and other partners to prepare and adapt their devices in good time so that they can handle the new note. Around 15% of retailers in the euro area use authentication devices. Euro banknotes and coins were introduced on 1 January 2002 and have become a tangible symbol of European integration. They are used every day in 19 EU countries and help to make commerce and travel easier. Cash payments are now made in the same currency by 338 million people.

The evolution of our money The Maastricht Treaty of 1992 led to the establishment of the European Union and its single currency, the euro. After years of planning and preparations, euro banknotes and coins were introduced in 12 Member States of the European Union on 1 January 2002. A total of 19 EU countries have adopted the euro so far. All EU countries, except Denmark and the United Kingdom, which have an opt-out, are expected to join the monetary union and to introduce the euro as soon as they fulfil the convergence criteria. The introduction of the Europa series of euro banknotes is part of the ongoing development of euro banknotes.