EUROPA 2026 Theme

2026 marks the 70th anniversary of EUROPA Stamps, a philatelic initiative launched to foster stronger relationships among European countries and promote lasting peace and unity. First issued in 1956 by six nations—Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, the founding members of the European Union—this initiative has grown to include 53 participating postal organizations. 

Last year, the PostEurop Stamps and Philately Working Group organized an internal competition to select a common design motif for the theme “70th Anniversary of the EUROPA Stamp: United in…”. Guided by shared values such as communication, innovation, cooperation, and common roots, members submitted 15 creative proposals, each presenting a unique vision. Postal operators were invited to vote on their favourite designs.

With votes from 50 postal organizations, The winner of the 2026 EUROPA stamp competition: Posti Ltd, Finland. Second place was awarded to ‘’JP BH Pošta’’ d.o.o. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and third place to Post Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

The winning stamp design was created by Mr. Klaus Welp.

The design of the 2026 EUROPA Stamp combines abstract and symbolic elements. The diagonally ascending dotted line represents both the perforation of a stamp and the progressive work of PostEurop. The seven dots, connected by a straight line, symbolize seventy years of unified effort by postal operators across the continent. The blending gradients and dotted patterns in the background form a cohesive and vibrant surface, reflecting the joyful mix of colours from the European flag and symbolizing the unity of all member nations.