CEPT - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 2000 - 7 Shilling

Following a decision by the Posteurop Action Group on "European Trademarks", the European Trademarks of the Year 2000 are re-published in all participating countries as a Community theme, following a draft by Jean-Paul Cousin (France). The stamps are to appear in all countries on the 50th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which is one of the foundations for European integration after 1945. As French Foreign Minister (1948-1953), Schuman was particularly involved in Franco-German rapprochement and, with the Schuman Plan, encouraged the creation of the Coal and Steel Community. The aim of this plan, in addition to the economic aspect, was the promotion of European unification. The plan was incorporated into a treaty that entered into force in 1952 and established the European Coal and Steel Community. This was the first step towards the European Union. The center of the brand image is the "Bauwerk Europa". The stars are supposed to symbolize the countries of the European Community. The star column towers in a blue sky reminiscent of the European flag. Children of different skin color bring more stars from all directions and want to form a bigger Europe. According to Posteurop, the brand image stands for a vibrant, dynamic, glamorous Europe and for its pride in its past (= pillar), its presence (= the building in the making) and its future (= the involvement of the youth).