New stamp marks 50th anniversary of Ireland joining the European Communities

6 January 2023

An Post’s first stamp of 2023 marking the 50^th anniversary of Ireland joining the European Communities (EC), now the European Union (EU), was unveiled today by the Minister for European Affairs, Mr. 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.”
 
The new National rate stamp together with a special First Day Cover envelope is available at selected post offices including the GPO, and at anpost.com/shop.  An Post has decorated a number of Dublin city centre postboxes in the vicinity of Leinster House, Government Buildings, Iveagh House and Europe House to mark the anniversary for which the Department of Foreign Affairs has devised a broad programme of events during 2023. 
 
EU50 Programme
The Government’s EU50 programme is marking Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership since our decision to join the EEC in 1972. Government Departments, State Agencies, primary, port-primary and third level education institutions, civil society groups, industry, cultural institutions and our Mission network have all been encouraged to get involved. The link to the EU50 programme, marking Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership, is here - EU50 | Ireland - this is Ireland.