The EUROPA stamp is issued under the auspices of PostEurop-the association representing Europe's public postal operators. The issue has long stood as a symbol of unity, cooperation, and shared heritage across the Continent. Celebrated for their meaningful themes and striking designs, EUROPA stamps are among the most widely collected and admired issues, reflecting Europe's common roots, rich culture and collective aspirations.
In 2026, PostEurop celebrates its 70th anniversary. To mark the occasion, a Europe-wide design competition was organised, inviting postal operators to submit concepts for a unified commemorative stamp. The winning design, selected from numerous creative entries, was proposed by Post Finland and created by internationally acclaimed artist Klaus Welp.
Welp's design captures the spirit of our times with both depth and elegance. Reflecting on his work, he notes that in an increasingly turbulent world, the need for peace, unity and reliable communication has never been greater. A strong and efficient postal system, he suggests, is not only a means of connection but also a cornerstone of democratic stability and public trust.
The artwork itself is rich in symbolism. A diagonally ascending dotted line evokes both the perforations of a stamp and the forward momentum of European cooperation. Seven aligned dots represent the decades of shared effort among Europe's postal operators, while the vibrant gradients and patterns in the background blend the colours of European flags into a harmonious whole-symbolizing unity in diversity.
To commemorate this anniversary, MaltaPost will issue this special EUROPA stamp on 9 May 2026. Featuring the official joint design, the Maltese stamp is distinguished by the addition of a Maltese cross in the lower right corner and carries a denomination of 2.00. This unique stamp stands as both a tribute to Europe's postal legacy and a celebration of its enduring spirit of collaboration.
