Launch of An Post EU50 Stamp

An Post’s first stamp of 2023 marking the 50th anniversary of Ireland joining the European Communities (EC), now the European Union (EU), was unveiled on 6 January by the Minister for European Affairs, Peter Burke TD and the European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness.

The stamp design by renowned Irish designer Ger Garland features the flag of what is now known as the European Union (EU). The design is based on the stars of the EU flag and the six fundamental values of the EU: Human Dignity, Freedom, Democracy, Equality, Rule of Law, and Human Rights. To symbolise the number of members of the EC in 1973, only nine of the twelve stars from the EU flag are visible.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Burke said:

“I am delighted today that An Post are marking the historic anniversary of Ireland’s 50 years in Europe with this stamp. Stamps are a small but tangible part of everyday life and this stamp will serve to remind us all of the many ways the EU has impacted on our own everyday lives – from economic growth, to environmental protection, to gender equality and equal pay legislation, to climate, energy, travel and peace.”