«The modern hryvnia should resonate with everyone who lives now»: the National Bank plans to change the design of banknotes

Ukrainian hryvnias. Photo: National Bank of Ukraine

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) is initiating a public discussion on the future design of the hryvnia.

NBU Governor Andrii Pyshnyi wrote about this in his column for «Historical Truth».

«How should the appearance of the national currency change so that «speaks» not about the past, but about the present and future? What messages should the Ukrainian hryvnia convey about the values of our country and the historical events we are experiencing? The NBU suggests that we start thinking about this. We definitely do not plan to change the design of the banknotes tomorrow, but we want to have this discussion, we want to hear the opinions of Ukrainians — as historians, artists, experts and ordinary citizens», said Andrii Pyshnyi.

He recalled that the current design of the hryvnia banknotes was approved in 1992 and noted that the European Union is planning to change them for the third time since the introduction of euro banknotes in 2002.

«Of course, it has been modernised over this time, with the fourth technological generation of hryvnia banknotes now in circulation and enhanced security. But their concept has remained unchanged: the front side features portraits of figures who have made a significant contribution to the development of the Ukrainian state at different historical stages. The reverse side features images of architectural monuments related to the activities of these prominent personalities depicted on the front side of the banknotes,» he said.

At the same time, the NBU Governor expressed his belief that Ukraine has changed over the past 30 years, as have Ukrainians.

«Today, we are writing a new defining page of our history - on the battlefield and in the hearts of modern heroes, modern citizens of Ukraine... Does the current generation of Ukraine, which is experiencing these tragic events, have the right to say what symbols they want to see on the next banknote? For me, this is not even a question», added Andrii Pyshnyi.

Earlier it was reported that the National Bank of Ukraine was planning a second experiment with the use of the digital hryvnia (e-hryvnia).