Postal administrations of European countries in 2023 will issue postage stamps on the theme "PEACE - the highest value of mankind." This decision was made at an extraordinary meeting of PostEurop directors. The topic of the annual competition for the best postage stamp of Europe-2023 was changed at the suggestion of Ukrposhta.
In the first days of the war, Ukrposhta appealed to PostEurop with an initiative to change in 2023 the issue of postage stamps under the program "Europa" from "Underwater Flora and Fauna" on "PEACE - the greatest value of mankind." After all, a postage stamp is another way to draw the world's attention to the topic of the war in Ukraine.
According to PostEurop, the previously selected themes of the Europe brands for 2023 and 2024 will be carried over to 2024 and 2025, respectively.
In general, the competition is attended by postal administrations of European countries.
Colleagues from different post offices around the world are already expressing their support for Ukraine through postal miniatures. In particular, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Austria and Croatia have already issued stamps in support of Ukraine.
In particular, on March 24, the Estonian Post, the first among other countries, issued the Glory of Ukraine postage stamp. Estonian postal operator Omniva notes that almost 20,000 of these stamps were sold in a month, with a circulation of 50,000.
On March 25, the Polish Post presented a postage stamp and an envelope "We are with you!" as an expression of support, respect and solidarity in the struggle for freedom and independence of Ukraine. Its circulation was 3 million copies and has already been distributed to all post offices in the country. An envelope with the image of the Independence Monument erected on the Maidan in Kyiv was issued to the stamp. Thanks to the sale of stamps, the Polish Post helped refugees from Ukraine, as well as those who remained to defend their country from Russian aggression.
On March 31, the Austrian Post launched the postage stamp "Together for Peace (Gemeinsam für den Frieden)". With this stamp with an additional denomination, the Austrian Post will provide support to victims in Ukraine. The face value of the stamp is 1 euro for delivery within Europe, an additional face value of 2 euros will be transferred to the organizations "Neighbors in Need" and UNICEF, which are partners in this postal issue. Circulation of the brand is 200 thousand copies.
On April 12, the Croatian Post launched a postage stamp in support of Ukraine "For Peace in Ukraine". The stamp depicts a blue sky and a yellow rapeseed field, symbolizing the Ukrainian flag. The stamp has a circulation of 30,000 copies. An envelope was also issued for the stamp.
And the Lithuanian Post announced the winner of the competition for the best sketch of a postage stamp for defenders of freedom of Ukraine. The stamp depicts the hugs of two people, reproduced in blue and yellow. These embraces symbolize the support of Ukraine. This postage stamp will be issued on May 6 with 40,000 copies. The brand is charitable. Its face value is 1 euro, but the price will be 2 euros. Part of the proceeds from the stamp sale will go to the MÄ—lyna ir geltona fund (Blue / Yellow).
Thus, the postage stamp became another message to the whole world about the support of the Ukrainian people, who courageously defend the freedom of their country every day.
