The highly anticipated 2025 EUROPA Stamps Competition is set to captivate philatelists and history enthusiasts alike with its theme, “National Archaeological Discoveries.” Issued by European postal operators, this year’s stamps will celebrate the extraordinary archaeological findings that have shaped Europe’s rich cultural heritage.
Each year, the EUROPA Stamps highlight a unifying theme, reflecting Europe’s shared history and values. The 2025 edition will take collectors on a journey through time, uncovering hidden treasures, ancient civilisations, and groundbreaking discoveries that have provided invaluable insights into the past. From prehistoric artefacts to unique relics and medieval wonders, these stamps will tell the story of Europe’s archaeological legacy.
Europe’s archaeological discoveries have been instrumental in shaping our understanding of history. From the Minoan palaces of Crete to the Viking ship burials of Scandinavia, these findings have provided a tangible link to our ancestors and their way of life. They reflect the influences of ancient trade routes, cultural exchanges, and evolving societies that have defined Europe as we know it today. This year’s EUROPA stamps will pay homage to these remarkable discoveries, reinforcing the role of archaeology in preserving and interpreting our collective past.
EUROPA stamps have long been recognised for their artistic value and technical excellence. This year’s competition will once again feature a variety of innovative printing techniques, including intaglio, embossing, augmented reality, and thermochromic ink, enhancing the visual and tactile experience of each design. Such advanced methods bring archaeological discoveries to life, allowing collectors and the general public to engage with history in an unprecedented way. These innovative printing techniques will meet timeless heritage.
“The art of stamp design is a powerful storytelling tool,” said Xavier Clabots and Johanna Finne, Chair and Vice-Chair of the PostEurop Stamps & Philately Working Group. “By combining intricate design with cutting-edge printing techniques, we not only celebrate our shared European heritage but also inspire new generations to appreciate the importance of archaeology and philately alike. Stamps serve as miniature canvases that capture history, culture, and innovation all in one. With each carefully crafted design, we invite people to explore the narratives behind our continent’s most fascinating archaeological discoveries, fostering a deeper connection with the past through the world of philately.”
The EUROPA Stamps Competition, organised annually by PostEurop, invites the public to cast their vote for the most outstanding stamp design through the official EUROPA website. Open to philatelists, history enthusiasts, and postal customers alike, this competition offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the fusion of art, culture, and history encapsulated within each carefully crafted stamp. By participating, voters play an essential role in honouring the artistic excellence and historical narratives that EUROPA stamps bring to life.
For more information on the competition and how to vote, visit europastamps.eu/europa2025.
2025 EUROPA Stamps Competition Fact Sheet