The Governing Council of the ECB has shortlisted the motifs for the two possible themes for future euro banknotes: “European culture: shared cultural spaces” and “Rivers and birds: resilience in diversity”. The selected motifs include Ludwig van Beethoven, Marie Curie and Leonardo da Vinci. “Rivers and birds” included a kingfisher in a waterfall, a white stork flying over a river valley and a wallcreeper next to a mountain landscape. The ECB is expected to make the final decision on the designs of the new banknotes in 2026.

In 2024, Germany paid more to the European level than it received by around 0.4 % of its gross national income (€18 billion), as explained in the current edition of the Bundesbank’s Monthly Report. It was thus one of ten Member States that made net contributions to the EU budget and the NextGenerationEU (NGEU) off-budget entity. It was not among the frontrunners, however, as it received significantly more NGEU grants than it did in previous years. Once every year, the Bundesbank calculates the net contributions to the EU budget and NGEU. In addition, the Monthly Report examines the European Commission’s proposal for the next multiannual financial framework.

On 5 August 2025, the Bundesbank welcomed a high-level delegation from the National Bank of Tajikistan in Munich. The focal point of the visit was the exchange of views on cash management, automation and digitalisation. Read more on how the international dialogue opens up new perspectives for the Governor and colleagues in the branches, strengthening cooperation at all levels.