PostEurop is proud to announce Cyprus Post as the winner of the "Think Green" joint design competition.  The design from Cyprus Post artist, Ms. Doxia Sergidou, was chosen amongst 24 outstanding entries. Posta Slovenije and Magyar Posta followed in second and third place respectively.

A total of 24 designs were submitted based on the chosen theme, to compete for the honour of having their image on the 2016 EUROPA stamps.  Up to 216 confidential votes were received from 36 PostEurop members whose designs were anonymously published.  Based on the number of votes received, the design from Cyprus Post emerged as the winner. The second place went to Posta Slovenije and in third place, Magyar Posta.

The stamp motif is the work of Ms. Doxia Sergidou (see photo on the right). When asked about the concept of the design Ms. Sergidou explains that “the main purpose was to show that it is in our hand to create a greener planet.  Thus, I have placed a hand on the top side of the stamp which basically represents anyone of us, actively replacing the grey colour (the environmental pollution) with the green colour which symbolizes environmental living and hope, and in turn inspire us for a better world.”

“The left side of the stamp represents the polluted side and is painted grey showing us the tremendous disaster caused by the industries, automotive vehicles, power generation and inefficient waste.  It also shows how the human activities are negatively influencing the environment. In contrast on the right side of the stamp, is the green side which show us how using renewable energy resources, acting in a more environmental way and becoming more environmentally aware could positively affect the environment. This will not only have a positive effect in our generation, but it will also help the future ones to co-exist in harmony” adds Ms. Sergidou.

"The impact of our activities on the Environment is an area of high priority for European postal operators and the multitude of initiatives across Europe inspired the theme linked to Europe's ecology - Think Green.  Once again the designers pulled through taking on this challenging theme and produced some magnificent entries.  A lot of thoughts have gone into the designs and we would like this special 60th issue of EUROPA stamp to help build a legacy for the future generations" exclaimed Anita Häggblom, Chair of the PostEurop Stamps and Philately working group from Ǻland Post. 

"In the last 60 years, Europe has gone through a tremendous change but the initial concept still remains.  We are happy with the outcome of this design competition and would like to thank all 24 entrants for taking the time to articulate in a special design what is quite complex in today’s world.” concludes Mr. Botond Szebeny, PostEurop Secretary General.

The award ceremony will be held at the upcoming PostEurop Plenary Assembly to be held on 14 October 2015 in Cyprus.

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See Also

Stamps and Philately Working Group