50 Years of the first Issue of Europa

EUROPA stamps are special stamps which are issued under the patronage of PostEurop, have unique central theme and are protected by EUROPA logo. They have been issued since 1956, when 6 countries issued total 13 stamps with the common design. The idea of common design replaced the idea of common theme in 1984, which was also the CEPT 25th Anniversary (1959-1984). With the split of posts and telecom providers in most countries, CEPT (European Conference of the administrations of Posts and Telecommunications) was no longer responsible, but Postal administrations under the guidance of PostEurop continue with issuing of EUROPA stamps. From 1993 all stamps have “Europa” inserted into design.For the new millennium in 2000, the common design once more replaced the common theme. The stamp was designed that shows a column of 6 stars representing the original 6 members of the ECSC, and four children (of different heritage) represent Europe’s future.In the occasion of 50th anniversary of the 1st Europa issue 1956-2006, Croatian post Ltd.