Issue date: 22 Feb, 2010
During the first six months of 2010, Spain will preside over the EU and philately commemorates this event with two stamp issues.
Since Spain joined the EU in 1986, it is the fourth time that it holds the Presidency of the European Council, also known as Council of Ministers. On previous occasions, the Spanish presidency was held in the first half of 1989, second half of 1995 and first half of 2002. The primary responsibility of the presidency is the functioning of the European Institutions and the task is undertaken by an entire national government. The presidency is rotated between European Union (EU) member states every six months, from January to June and from July to December. On December 1st 2009, the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force altering the structure of the EU’s institutions and how they work and amending the periods of tenure in office.
The EU is made up of democratic European countries and its aim is to provide peace, prosperity and stability for its peoples; overcome the divisions on the continent; ensure that its people can live in safety; promote balanced economic and social development; meet the challenges of globalisation and preserve the diversity of the peoples of Europe; uphold the values that Europeans share, such as sustainable development and a sound environment, respect for human rights and the social market economy. Important institutions and bodies of the EU include the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament.
The stamps depict the logo of the Spanish Presidency with the letter “eu” in italics. This design was the result of a public contest amongst design students in Spain, Belgium and Hungary, the three countries that will successively preside over the EU from January 1st 2010 to June 30th 2011. The winner was Belgian born Antoine Durieux. This is the first time in the history of the EU that the same logo will be shared by various countries during their presidency, the only difference being the colour of the logo which will be in the colours of each country’s national flag.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.