DNB conducts research on the payment system. For example, we have projects on the development of banknotes.
The ECB coordinates and finances research and development projects for the production of banknotes. Many projects are executed by public and private institutions. They do so independently or in cooperation with the ECB, DNB and the other central banks of the Eurosystem.
There are projects in the following areas:
- authenticity features of banknotes
- production processes and technology for banknote handling
- technologies to minimise the ecological footprint of cash and money supply
Many projects are carried out by or in collaboration with public and private institutions. Are you interested in getting on board? Explore the opportunities.
DNB and the Eurosystem are currently exploring the possibilities for a digital euro. Read more about this project.
Our total net banknote issuance has long been negative: every year, the banks returned more notes to us than we put into circulation through the banks. Part of the reason for this is tourism. After tourists spend banknotes that were put into circulation in other euro area countries, banks return the notes to us. This trend reversed in 2020, however, and we have issued more banknotes than we receive since then. To see the cumulative net issuance numbers for banknotes and coins (expressed in value terms and broken down by denomination) go to the download.
Like eating, drinking and sleeping, spending money is simply part of life. But that doesn’t necessarily make it fun. Indeed, most people dislike spending money, according to research by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB).
Read more Spending money hurts, but less if you’re a teenager paying cash
Consumers from vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, disabled people and those with low digital skills experience a decline in the accessibility and availability of payment services. This seems to be related to the fact that banks increasingly digitalise their services and close branches.
Read more Accessibility of payment services for vulnerable groups deteriorating
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has processed far fewer banknotes than usual. The intake of banknotes has in fact decreased so much that, for the first time ever, DNB is issuing more banknotes than it is receiving.
Read more Sharp fall in banknote circulation due to COVID-19 pandemic
More than three quarters of the Dutch population expect they will still make cash payments five years from now, but 42% think they will do so less often than today. This was revealed by a survey on the use and perception of cash among some 1,000 Dutch citizens, held in February 2021
Read more Confidence in cash remains high, even with decreasing use
