The total value of all euro banknotes in circulation has risen from €1 trillion in 2016 to €1.6 trillion in 2026, according to the ECB. The sum is spread over 31.3 billion banknotes, up from 24 billion in 2016, writes The Guardian.
The increase is said to be due to growing concerns about war, wildfires and cyberattacks, where cash could be crucial.
In 2025, several EU countries - including Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands - urged citizens to keep food, water and cash at home for unforeseen events.
For the Swedish krona, the trend is the opposite of the euro, with the value of banknotes decreasing since 2016, according to the Swedish Central Bank.
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