The idea of the European countries issuing a stamp with a joint motif every year was introduced in 1952. The stamps were to symbolize the common interests and goals of the participating countries. The six countries forming the Coal and Steel Community which later signed the Treaty of Rome, founding the European Community, issued the first Europa stamps on 15th September 1956. These countries were Belgium, France, Netherlands, Italy, Luxemburg and West Germany. Iceland issued its first Europa stamps in 1960. At a conference in Montreux, Switzerland, in 1959 twenty three Postal Administrations agreed to a joint issue under the ensigns of CEPT – the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications administrations.
470 – 50 Years of Europa Stamps
Day of issue : 02-02-2006
Printing process : Offset tolusett
Number in Sheet : 2
Printer : Osterreichische Staatsdruckerei
Size : 32.25 x 26 mm (48 x 80 mm)
Designer : Hlynur Olafsson
Value : 300 ISK
