Philatelic issue of Poczta Polska on the occasion of Poland taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union
On January 1, 2025, Poland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will mean a six-month leadership of the Union's work at all levels. Poczta Polska has issued a commemorative postage stamp and a first-day-of-circulation (FDC) envelope to highlight the significance of this unique event.
"I am very pleased that Poczta Polska, a state-owned company, is participating in important events for the country and Europe. I am convinced that today's commemorative stamp issue will contribute to the popularization of European values and the promotion of positive role models ," said Jakub Jaworowski, Minister of State Assets.
" Poczta Polska's involvement in promoting the Presidency allows us to reach a wide audience both domestically and internationally. Importantly, thanks to Poczta Polska, we will also reach people who don't regularly follow digital media, as well as even the smallest towns where Poczta Polska has offices. This is an important part of our Presidency's communications strategy – a Presidency open to all, " said Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Undersecretary of State and Plenipotentiary of the Minister for European Union Affairs for the Preparation and Exercise of Poland's Presidency of the EU Council.
The stamp features the official logo of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, symbolizing its role in shaping EU policy. The Polish Presidency logo draws inspiration from Poland's recent history. It symbolizes the rebirth of Polish democracy and civil society, evokes the best traditions of Solidarity, and fits into the broader context of Poland's return to the mainstream of European debate. The Polish flag permeates the logo, reflecting Poland's over 20 years of membership in the Community, as well as partnership and synergy. The Polish Presidency logo was created by Jerzy Janiszewski, who created the Solidarity symbol in 1980 and the symbol of the Polish Presidency in 2011.
An additional element of the collection is a commemorative date stamp. Its design is based on a circle composed of twelve five-pointed stars, reminiscent of the European Union flag. The stars symbolize unity, solidarity, and balance between member states, and their arrangement within the circle emphasizes the equality of all countries within the EU.
" By presenting a stamp on the occasion of Poland's renewed Presidency of the Council of the EU, we want to remind everyone of the crucial role our country plays in building European economic power, but also in ensuring the security of its member states. Philatelic items travel with letters and cards, thus also fulfilling a promotional and informational function. They are therefore consistent with the Polish Post's mission – promoting events, anniversaries, and initiatives important to Poles. Polish Post stamps are a snapshot of our country's history, " said Sebastian Mikosz, President of Polish Post.
The rotating nature of the presidency allows each member state, regardless of its size, to chair the Council of the EU and influence its priorities. Countries holding this position work together in teams of three, known as "trios." The system introduced by the Lisbon Treaty allows for the setting of long-term goals and a common 18-month agenda. Within this framework, each member state develops a detailed plan for its six-month presidency.
For the second time in history, Poland will co-form a trio with Denmark and Cyprus. We first held this role in the second half of 2011. This time, the Presidency comes at a unique moment in the history of Europe and the world. Poland will focus on actions that strengthen security in several dimensions: external, internal, information, economic, energy, food, and health. The goal is for Europe to more effectively protect its citizens while developing in strategic areas.
The Presidency in Your Mailbox
A stamp isn't everything. Poczta Polska is also supporting the Polish Presidency by displaying posters with information about the Presidency in nearly 5,000 post offices across the country.
The posters include:
• a badge with the presidency logo,
• the motto "Security, Europe!",
• information about the presidency taking over on 1 January 2025,
• as well as links to the presidency homepage and the subpage with the cultural programme.
The posters in post offices are intended to help raise awareness of the presidency – by also reaching people who do not use electronic media.
The stamp will enter into circulation on December 12 and will be available at post offices and in the online philatelic store.
author of the project: Poczta Polska SA
number of stamps: 1
value: PLN 10
circulation: 120,000 pcs
printing technique: offset
stamp format: 43 x 31.25 mm
paper: fluorescent
sales sheet: 6 stamps
date of introduction into circulation: December 12, 2024