Europa

Europa stamps have been issued annually by European postal administrations since 1956 to promote European unity. Common designs were used for most issues until 1973, and beginning in 1974 a common theme was chosen each year with participating nations providing unique designs. Participation has grown from six nations in 1956 to over fifty nations today. The cooperation of postal administrations in creating Europa issues is considered one of the steps that eventually led to today's European Economic Community.