Europa 2000
In the context of the campaign launched by PostEurop to promote philately, it has been decided to give the "EUROPA 2000" stamps a single theme focus. The issue is to appear on 9 May 2000, the 50th anniversary of the Robert Schuman declaration. The theme of the stamps, designed by French artist Jean-Paul Cousin, was selected from proposals submitted by the organisation’s members, and accepted at the PostEurop plenary meeting held in 1998 in Monaco. The following is a description of the stamps seen from the artist’s point of view.
Building Europe
Rising from the fertile earth (green), the harmonious curves - stamped with the "E" for Europe and set against a clear blue sky the colour of the European flag - a column of stars symbolises the countries of the European Community, an edifice where each element has its own particular design and position yet retains its individuality.
This edifice thrusts straight up, confident of its development: a Europe which is already built but not inflexible, which is open to "star" inputs from other cultures.
On a shadow forming the "E" for Europe, children dark and fair approach from the four points of the compass, symbolising the future and those who will build this Europe. They bring the stars of the future, the stars that are still in the making in the skies.
An arc curves round the central column, representing a visual path towards enhancing, supplementing and raising the Community to greater heights. Thus, the crown of coloured stars stands for the topics dear to all Europeans - the environment, jobs, economic and financial development, education and culture.
This stamp design depicts a bright, dynamic Europe full of life and proud of its past (solid column), its present (construction work under way) and future (participation of youth).
| Value: | 21 LUF |
|---|---|
| Design: | Jean-Paul Cousin |
| Print process: | Photogravure by Hélio Courvoisier SA; La Chaux-de-Fonds (CH); 6 colours; |
| Format: | 37,65 x 28 mm; 20 stamps per sheet. |
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Competition
PostEurop 2013
