Every year around this time, we write about the EUROPA stamps and the competition to pick the most beautiful one for that year. This year though, the traditional competition isn’t taking place because all stamps share a common design! This is not new, and has happened multiple times in the history of EUROPA stamps, including in the very first issue back in 1956.
Below is 2023's design as seen on the Finnish stamp. The theme of the year is “Peace — the highest value of humanity”:
Every country is using the same design this year, arranged in slightly different ways to match the shape or aesthetics of other stamps in the country. In order to arrive at this design, a contest was run by PostEurop in which the different postal services submitted their interpretations on the topic, and then one was chosen to represent it. The winning entry was created by Linda Bos and Runa Egilsdottir of “A Designer’s Collective”, for POST Luxembourg. About the design, they wrote:
“The world needs a new Peace symbol, uniting all nations. Cultural differences perchance a barrier for a state of Peace. If only mankind could respect each other’s differences by understanding their significance and responding to them with consideration, the world would be a better place. This design shows a visual metaphor for a peacefully integrated, cooperative society in which people embrace each other’s culture. It was inspired by the Celtic Love Knot symbol, with interlocking hearts. The colour palette illustrates all the nations in the world. By adding hands with intertwined fingers, it conveys the message of mutual respect.”
Many other postal services also decided to design a second stamp to pair with this one, and you can see some of those on this forum topic.
While on one hand we’re a little sad that we don’t get to see the usual diversity of designs and interpretations, on the other hand, it’s also heartwarming to see a joint issue. This is how EUROPA stamps started: with a shared design as a symbol of cooperation between European countries. The topic also hails back to the beginning of these stamps, as the designs for the second and third years of the EUROPA series featured peace symbols.
So… what do you think? Do you like the design that was chosen, or would you have preferred if every country had its own unique entry? Aaaaaand, on a different but somewhat related topic, which song do you think will win Eurovision tonight this weekend? 🤔
44 comments so far
(I'm rooting for Finland. Cha cha cha cha cha cha cha!)
When about ESC, I like Portugal the most (singing+staging (absence of too many efects)+charisma, but I think that Sweden of Finland will win.
I am a bit pessimistic so maybe Sweden will win, but I am keeping fingers crossed for Finland. My absolutely favourites are Norway, Serbia, and Germany, so if Finland doesn't win, I hope it's one of them. Aaand the ESC final takes place first tomorrow. ;) Today is Friday.
Perhaps next year we will have individual stamps again.
https://flic.kr/p/2ozYwHU
I root for Portugal & Sweden in the Eurovision song contest.
Here is the same stamp which will be issued by Ukraine;
https://postmark.ukrposhta.ua/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=2919
And of course; Cha Cha Cha! 🟢🟢😜🟢🟢
Now where is my magnifying glass...?
As for Eurovision I'm a massive fan, have been watching since the 1960's and used to run a fan website in the 90's. My favourites from SF1 were Moldova, Czechia and Israel, from SF2 Belgium, Australia and Lithuania. I also like the Spanish, French and Austrian songs. As for the winner - I think Sweden will win narrowly with Finland in 2nd place.
https://www.philatelie.li/ki/Sammeln/Ausgaben/2023/Juni-695/Europa.html
ps. off topic: is there a theme for this WPD23 already?
And I also like that, unlike the last years, Italy issued its stamp on May 9th and with a rate appropriate to send postcards internationally :)
Nice concept and symbolism of it being all-inclusive.🕊️
in order “to show solidarity with Ukraine
and to promote the universal value for all humanity – PEACE”.
Russia and Belarus are excluded in 2023!
That´s what i call a clear statement - quite contrary to Postcrossing!!!
AND you are here talking about the design of the stamp -
just shaking my head!
Additional stamps with other designs can also be enjoyed.
“Peace - the highest value of humanity” Is the Goal.
People all over the world are mostly wonderful in my humble opinion.
Our World Leaders should practice leadership skills that would make the rest of us proud. Postcrossing membership would be an excellent start.
As for ESC, my favourite countries this year included Czechia, Croatia, Albania, Austria, Switzerland. Among the top positions, I only liked Italy and Norway (not because I'm Italian).
(miss travelling around Europe during Spring and follow Eurovision contest...)
Of course you can use it on international post, just like all the
others with our map on it (forever stamp). The same with the
older ones that are marked 1 luokka or 2 luokka (1st class and
2nd class). These are now valued at 2,30€.
Just add a 0,20€ stamp next to it to make the 2.50€ international
cost.
https://pood.omniva.ee/en/international-stamps/4140-europa-peace-the-highest-value-of-humanity.html
https://eshop.posta.hu/storefront/content/files/14_2023_EN_EUROPA.pdf
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