The activity organized in collaboration with the Albanian Post to officially promote the postage stamps “Albania in Euro” and “European Football Championship” took place at the premises of the Albanian Football Association. This initiative aims to highlight the value of Albanian postage stamps and the symbolism they represent.
The event was attended by the Secretary General of FSHF, Ilir Shulku; the Head of the Post Office Cabinet, Artemon Cukalla; Elion Semanaj from the Postal Administration Department; the Marketing Director of the Post Office, Albiona Sulo; as well as representatives from philately, the Stamp Commission, and AFA.
The ceremony was marked by the symbolic signing of a “Cartmaximum” (postcard), where a child wrote a message dedicated to the national team player, Nedim Bajrami, as a sign of inspiration and pride for representing Albania on the European stage.
During his speech at the event, AFA Secretary General Ilir Shulku appreciated the collaboration with the Albanian Post:
*”I am happy that here at the Albanian Football Association, we are promoting an initiative that combines sport with our culture and national identity.
Postage stamps are more than just communication tools; they are symbols of representation and ambassadors of a nation. Through the stamps “Albania in Euro” and “European Football Championship,” we symbolically commemorate one of the most important moments in our sporting history. Participation in the finals of a European Championship was an achievement that united Albanians everywhere and now becomes part of our cultural memory through philately.
Collaboration with the Albanian Post demonstrates that our institutions can work together to promote the best values of our country. Sport and cultural diplomacy naturally intertwine because they represent our identity and aspiration to present ourselves with dignity in Europe.
I thank the Albanian Post for this collaboration and invite you to visit the exhibition.”*
Meanwhile, the Albanian Post representative, Elion Semanaj, stated:
“The Albanian Post is proud to be part of this initiative that promotes an important moment in Albanian sport. Through these postage stamps, we aim to convey the values, history, and pride that football represents for our country, strengthening the connection between sport and national identity.”
As part of this collaboration, a mini philatelic exhibition has been opened, which will remain open from February 26, 2026, to March 3, 2026. The exhibition includes a historical section featuring Albanian stamps with sports themes over the years, a section of new and historical sketches, the special panel “Red and Black – The Symbol that Travels in Europe,” as well as stands from philatelists showcasing sports collections with educational value.
This event emphasized the role of postage stamps as symbols of national representation in Europe, the integration of sport with cultural and institutional diplomacy, and the importance of inter-institutional cooperation between the Albanian Post and the Albanian Football Association.
