Finland issues Nato stamp
Finland is to issue a postage stamp to commemorate its accession to Nato’s military alliance. The national postal service says the stamp, which features the national colours of each of the alliance’s members, will be available for purchase from 6 September.
“The stamp is an image of its time. It can be used to highlight current issues and honour historical milestones. These have been, for example, Finland’s EU membership and the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence,” says Tommi Kantola, Design Manager, in a Posti press release.
Finland joined Nato in April after a dramatic shift in public opinion following Russia’s assault on Ukraine in February 2022.
The accession process started that summer, but Turkey and Hungary delayed ratification of the move until spring of this year. Sweden’s bid for Nato membership remains pending, and Posti plans a stamp to commemorate their accession as well.
Work on Finland’s Nato stamp started immediately after accession was confirmed.
“The stamp features the colour of each NATO country’s flag arranged in colourful stripes, symbolizing the community of NATO countries. Characterised by Scandinavian style, the design of the stamp is simple yet informative and striking,” says Ilkka Kärkkäinen, who designed the stamp.
Posti issues new stamps four times a year and will issue three more in the same batch as the Nato stamp. They will be available from 6 September, with the artists on hand from 1-4pm to sign their works at Helsinki’s Main Post Office.
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