Austrians receive stamp of approval

UEFA EURO 2008™ is already in the forefront of many people's thoughts but Austrians can now be reminded of this summer's tournament when they are posting their mail. The official ball to be used in Austria and Switzerland this June, made by adidas, is now available to buy as a self-adhesive stamp.

Philatelic sensation
Some 490,000 of the special stamps have been made and can be purchased in Austria for €3.75 in all post office branches and online. The special stamp from the Austrian Post Office is considered a philatelic world sensation among experts.

‘Sophisticated stamp’
Not because the 69cm ball has been shrunk to just 36mm, but rather because the stamp is made of the same original material as the UEFA European Championship ball – a synthetic mix with polyurethane. "Altogether, the Europass stamp is our most sophisticated stamp in terms of typography and fabric," said the head of philately at the Austrian Post Office, Erich Haas.