Our history
1952
The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was established in 1952 when European leaders from Belgium, France, (West) Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands signed the Treaty of Paris.
1956
The first EUROPA stamp issue was released on 15 September 1956, marking a symbolic beginning for European unity. The postal administrations of the six founding ECSC issued stamps featuring a common design: a tower constructed from the letters of the word “EUROPA,” surrounded by scaffolding. This imagery powerfully reflects the Community’s shared purpose and reinforces its commitment to solidarity as a foundation for lasting peace.
The stamp was designed by a Frenchman - Mr. Daniel Gonzague
1959
In 1959, the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) was established. From that year until 1992, the “CEPT” logo appeared on joint stamp issues. Between 1956 and 1973 (except for 1957), EUROPA stamps shared a common theme and design. In 1974, the rules changed: stamps would now follow a common theme, and each postal administration was free to interpret it creatively. On special occasions, such as EUROPA stamp anniversaries, the original system of a common design has been revisited.
1964
Celebrating five years of EUROPA CEPT stamps (1959–1964), united by the “Flower” common theme and design.
1969
Celebrating ten years of EUROPA CEPT stamps (1959–1969), united by the “Temple” common theme and design.
1984
Celebrating 25 years of EUROPA CEPT stamps (1959–1984), united by the “Bridge” common theme and design.
1993
In 1993, PostEurop assumed responsibility for managing EUROPA stamp issues, continuing their tradition while guiding their evolution. Each year, PostEurop celebrates EUROPA stamps on 9 May—Europe Day. As part of this new chapter, a refreshed EUROPA logo was introduced, featuring the word “EUROPA” leaning forward to symbolize progress and unity.
2000
Common design issue to commemorate New Millenium and the 50th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. This common stamp design was made by a Frenchman Jean-Paul Cousin.
2002
To further promote EUROPA stamp issues among philatelists, PostEurop launched the annual “Best EUROPA Stamp” competition in 2002, aiming to encourage creativity and excellence in stamp design.
Until 2006, only representatives from the various postal administrations were eligible to vote for the best EUROPA stamp during PostEurop’s Plenary Assembly.
2006
Fifty years of EUROPA CEPT stamps (1956–2026) have been marked by a select number of postal operators, each celebrating the anniversary with a dedicated stamp design.
2007
In 2007, the competition was opened to public voting, allowing EUROPA enthusiasts to choose their favorite stamp on PostEurop's website.
2011
In January 2011, the new EUROPA logo was introduced, accompanied by a symbolic reminder of the mailbox.
At the same time, PostEurop launched the EUROPA Jury competition, where winners are selected by philatelic experts.
2016
Celebrating 60 years of EUROPA stamps (1956–2016), with the 'Think Green' theme to promote environmental sustainability.
The stamp was designed by Ms. Doxias Sergidou from Cyprus.
2022
In 2022, PostEurop introduced new rules for the Most Beautiful EUROPA Stamp competition, combining votes from three panels: postal operators, the public online, and jury members.
2023
Common theme & design issue "PEACE - the highest value of humanity" aimed at promoting peace during times of crisis.