The European Central Bank (ECB) and the national central banksIn general, the expression refers to the central banks of different countries. More of the euroThe name of the European single currency adopted by the European Council at the meeting held in Madrid on 15-16 December 1995. See ECU. More area – the EurosystemThe Eurosystem comprises the European Central Bank and the national central banks of those countries that have adopted the euro. More – will unveil the new Europa series €50 banknoteA banknote (or ‘bill’ as it is often referred to in the US) is a type of negotiable promissory note, issued by a bank or other licensed authority, payable to the bearer on demand. More to the public on 5 July 2016. The new note is planned to be brought into circulation in spring 2017. Banknote equipment manufacturers, industry associations and the ECB signed a memorandum of understanding to underline their commitment to ensure that vending, ticketing and other machines accepting banknotes will work with the new €50 note as of the launch dateThe year in which a medal or coin was minted. On a banknote, the date is usually the year in which the issuance of that banknote - not its printing or entering into circulation - was formally authorised. More. They also committed to inform their customers, partners, employees and other stakeholders about the new banknote.
“We – the Eurosystem and our industry partners – have started to prepare for the introduction of the new €50 note early on, to ensure businesses are ready so that people can use their new banknotes smoothly everywhere as of the day they enter into circulation”, said Ton Roos, Director Banknotes at the ECB.
The €50 banknote is the most widely used of all euro banknote denominations. More than 8 billion banknotes in circulation are €50 banknotes, representing about 45% of the total.
The ECB and its partners held a seminar for banknote equipment manufacturers and others at the Banco de España in Madrid on 15 June 2016. The aim of the seminar was to help partners prepare for the introduction of the new €50 banknote and to facilitate the adaptation of banknote equipment.
The national central banks of the Eurosystem have since April offered banknote equipment manufacturers the opportunity to carry out tests with new €50 banknotes inside national central bank buildings. From July, they will also offer new €50 banknotes on loan to interested banknote equipment manufacturers and other relevant third parties for testing at their own offices and at banknote equipment locations. The Eurosystem also offers a wide range of information to all interested parties, including via the Partnership Programme, to help them train and inform their employees, their customers and euro area citizens about the new €50 banknote and its security features.
The list of partners who signed the memorandum of understanding can be found here.