The European Central Bank is preparing a fresh series of euro banknotes to honour the large figures of culture and science. Among the chosen were Maria Skłodowska-Curie, however, the decision to usage only the French version of its name — ‘Marie Curie’ – sparked a wave of opposition in Poland. The Polish government and the National Bank of Poland call on the ECB to change the evidence urgently, stressing the fundamental importance of Polish Nobel Prize roots for its identity and planet technological heritage.
This controversial issue, although seemingly minor, has immense symbolic and historical significance. For millions of Poles, the omission of the second part of the surname Skłodowska is not only a formality, but a simplification of Poland's contribution to the improvement of planet science. Will the ECB bend under the force of Warsaw and let it to usage denomination notes 20 euro The full name of a distinguished student has appeared? Time is decreasing due to the fact that the final decision is due to be made in late 2026.
Poland Fights for National Heritage at Euro Banknotes
The decision of the European Central Bank to place the image of Maria Skłodowska-Curie on a fresh series of euro banknotes, under the slogan “European Culture”, brought about in Poland wave of outrage. The reason is clear: the ECB only plans to usage the French name of the Nobel laureate, Marie Curie. It is simply a motion for many Poles, which omits and diminishes the Polish roots of 1 of the most prominent figures in the past of science, the winner Two Nobel Prizes in various fields (physics in 1903 and chemistry in 1911).
The omission of the maiden name, which symbolizes its Polish origin and upbringing in Warsaw, is perceived as lack of respect for her full identity. Maria Skłodowska-Curie, born in Poland, always emphasized her relation with her homeland, even after emigrating to France. Hence, the fight for a full name on the European currency is not only a question of historical correctness, but besides the defence of national pride and Poland's contribution to planet intellectual achievements. It is simply a applicable consequence of how Poland will be seen internationally.
Intervention at the ultimate Levels: Government and NBP in Action
Polish authorities reacted immediately by taking coordinated diplomatic and political action. Minister of discipline Marcin Kulasek sent an authoritative letter to the president of the ECB, Christine Lagarde. In a letter quoted in the Ministry of Science, Kulasek stressed that placing the full "Maria Skłodowska-Curie" on the banknote was not only a formal issue, but besides a formal matter. symbolic. – This shows respect for her cultural roots and Poland's contribution to the improvement of science – he pointed out the importance of the motion for Polish-European relations.
Polish diplomats in Brussels, as well as the president of the National Bank of Poland, joined the intervention, Adam Glapiński, which sent a separate, equally firm letter to the ECB. The issue has besides become the subject of heated debate in the European Parliament, where both MEPs from Poland and parliamentarians from another countries spoke, pointing to the request to preserve the first identity of the Nobel laureate. Yeah. wide mobilisation demonstrates the precedence the Polish government gives to this case, treating it as an crucial component of historical and cultural policy.
Accusations of Inequality Treatment: Beethoven's Precedents and Cervantesa
In its press release, the Ministry of discipline and Higher Education pointed out the gross inconsistency in the ECB's approach. For another historical figures that are besides to be included on a fresh series of banknotes, specified as the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven whether the Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, their full, first names were preserved. – Only the French version of Marie Curie puts the Polish student in an unequal position towards another heroes of European heritage – stressed in the Ministry’s Communication, pointing to discriminatory nature Decision of the ECB.
The argument of the Polish side is simple: since another nationalities have the right to full honor their heroes, Poland expects the same treatment for Maria Skłodowska-Curie. Her unique achievements – as The only individual in past who received the Nobel Prize in 2 different fields of science – makes it a symbol of planet technological achievements, not just French achievements. This fight is not just about a name, but about fundamental rule of equality and respect for the cultural diversity of Europe.
What's next? agenda and Opportunities for Change
Despite ongoing controversy, the European Central Bank continues to work on a fresh series of euro banknotes. According to unofficial information, the image of Maria Skłodowska-Curie is to be on the banknote of the denomination 20 euro, which underlines its rank and global recognition. However, this is the evidence of her name that remains key issue in disputewhich can affect the reception of the full series in Poland and among Polish people in the world.
The final decision on the appearance of banknotes, including the entry of the surname of the Polish scholar, will be announced in late 2026. Until then, the Polish authorities are announcing further intensive action on the global phase to preserve the full wording of the name of the prominent Polish female on European currency. The destiny of €20 banknotes with the image of a Nobel laureate, and thus a symbolic expression of respect for her Polish heritage, remains open. Will the ECB bend under pressure? We'll see in the next fewer months. This. decision that will affect the historical image of Poland in the European Union.
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The government's urgent intervention. The ECB will skip Skłodowska-Curie on 20 euro?
