National Stamp (50th Anniversary of Ireland Joining the EC)

January 1, 1973 was a momentous day for Ireland, when the country joined the European Communities, having first applied for membership in 1961.

To mark the 50th anniversary of this historic event, we are issuing a special stamp on January 5. Designed by Ger Garland, this features stars that relate to the gold stars on the European flag. Instead of the current flag’s 12 stars, nine are shown, symbolising the number of member states in 1973.

The stamp also lists six key values that are an integral part of the European way of life, to which all member states subscribe. These are Human Dignity, Freedom, Democracy, Equality, Rule of Law and Human Rights.
Be sure to watch out for this stamp issue, the first of our offerings for 2023, which commemorates a key moment in modern Irish economic, social and cultural life.

Membership has brought huge benefits to Ireland, in terms of access to European markets, increased job creation, investment in agriculture and social policy advances. Irish citizens gained a right to work in other
EC states while European investment in crossborder initiatives has helped achieve peace in Northern Ireland.

Product code 2301N1