Longford-Westmeath's Burke gives stamp of approval to Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership
EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and Minister of State Peter Burke launched a stamp to mark 50 years since Ireland joined the European Communities, the precursor to the EU.
An Post’s first stamp of 2023 was unveiled by Longford / Westmeath Deputy Burke, who took over as Minister for European Affairs from Fianna Fail TD Thomas Byrne as part of the coalition’s reshuffle in December.
The stamp concept, by Irish designer Ger Garland, is based on the stars of the EU flag and the six fundamental values of the EU: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and human rights.
Minister Burke said he was “delighted” that An Post is marking 50 years of the EU’s impact on Ireland.
“Stamps are a small but tangible part of everyday life and this stamp will serve to remind us all of the many ways the EU has impacted on our own everyday lives – from economic growth, to environmental protection, to gender equality and equal pay legislation, to climate, energy, travel and peace,” he said.