On 8 May, Åland Post will issue two stamps marking the 70th anniversary of EUROPA stamps. One stamp features the common design shared by all postal services participating in the 2026 EUROPA stamp series. The design was selected through a design competition on the theme “70th Anniversary of the EUROPA Stamp: United in..”. The other motif showcases Åland Post’s own competition entry, illustrated by Tzenko Stoyanov.
“The EUROPA stamps are a strong symbol of European cooperation and have become popular collectors’ items. It is important för Åland Post to be part of this anniversary and to contribute our interpretation of the EUROPA theme”, says Johanna Finne, Head of Stamps at Åland Post Stamps.
Fifteen postal operators participated in the design competition organised by PostEurop. The winning entry was submitted by Posti Finland and designed by Finnish artist Klaus Welp.
The stamp combines abstract and symbolic elements. The diagonal line represents a stamp’s perforation and reflects the shared efforts of Europe’s postal services over seven decades. The colour composition echoes the flags of the European countries and symbolises unity among the member states.
The second stamp was illustrated by Tzenko Stoyanov, who describes his concept as follows: “The starting point was to portray diversity as a unifying force. I chose to illustrate different shapes and colours coming together to form a harmonious unit, much like the way life on Earth emerged through the fusion of different elements, creating the miracle of life.”
The EUROPA stamp series was launched in 1956 to strengthen cooperation between European countries and to promote peace and unity. Åland Post joined the stamp series in 1994.
Source, text and pictures:
Åland Post’s press release 24 March 2026
