The Minister of Science appeals to the ECB regarding the full name of Skłodowska-Curie on the 20 euro banknote.
05/08/2025 update: 05/08/2025
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Minister of Science Marcin Kulasek has issued an official appeal to the European Central Bank (ECB) regarding the inclusion of the Polish spelling of Maria Skłodowska-Curie's name and surname on the new series of euro banknotes, the Ministry of Science announced on Tuesday.
As reported on the website of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, in a letter addressed to the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, the minister stressed the need to pay respect to both the scientific achievements and the cultural roots of the outstanding Polish woman, requesting that the 20 euro banknote should feature the Polish version of her name and surname: "Maria Skłodowska-Curie", and not the French version: "Marie Curie".
"Choosing the full name of Maria Skłodowska-Curie on the €20 banknote is not just a formal matter – it is also a symbol of recognition of our shared European identity, history, and heritage. We must remember our roots and fight for the visibility of Poland's contribution to global scientific achievements," emphasized Minister Marcin Kulasek in a letter addressed to ECB President Christine Lagarde, quoted on the Ministry of Science's website.
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education reminded that the controversy surrounding the proposed banknote concerns a reduced version of the name of the Polish Nobel Prize winner.
"The decision to use the surname 'Curie' or the French spelling 'Marie Curie' is, in the unanimous opinion of participants and commentators, a downgrade of Poland's contribution to the European heritage and scientific identity of the scientist. It is also worth noting that other historical figures to be featured on euro banknotes, such as Miguel de Cervantes and Ludwig van Beethoven, retained their original names and surnames, which further highlights the unequal treatment of the Polish Nobel Prize winner," the Ministry of Science stated in a statement.
As media outlets have reported for several weeks, the European Central Bank is planning a new series of euro banknotes. According to Money.pl, citing Politico reports, one of the themes being considered is "European Culture," which would feature Maria Skłodowska-Curie – the only person to be awarded two Nobel Prizes in two different fields of science. The ECB is considering including her image on the €20 banknote. "Initially, the institution used only the French version of the name: 'Marie Curie.' This provoked a reaction from Polish authorities. According to two people familiar with the matter, diplomats from Brussels intervened with the ECB, and NBP president Adam Glapiński sent a letter to President Christine Lagarde. Members of the European Parliament, including Janusz Lewandowski, and members of parliament from outside Poland also commented, citing feminist symbolism," Money.pl reported.
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education reminded that the final choice of the motif and form of the banknote will be known at the end of 2026. (PAP)
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