The EMI considers that it is important to reach the highest possible degree of acceptance by all users of the euro banknotes, including the blind and partially sighted. Fundamental to the independence of blind and partially sighted people is their ability to deal easily with money. Numerous banknotes in EU countries currently incorporate marks enabling the blind and partially sighted to distinguish between denominations. Design features useful for people with partial sight are also often helpful to, and welcomed by, fully sighted people.
Demographic trends show that the number of elderly people is on the increase.
The EMI had a fruitful co-operation with the European Blind Union. Design specifications for partially sighted people were included in the euro banknote design process from the outset, in order to obviate the need for later changes which would have been less efficient. In order to facilitate identification of the different denominations by the blind , the euro banknotes have different sizes according to their denomination. It is customary in banknote design in Europe for each denomination to have a single predominant colour. Colours used differ from each other as clearly as possible.