The East Cantons in your mailbox: 5 local treasures to collect
Hautes Fagnes, Malmedy, Raeren, Vennbahn, Our Valley: the gems of the East Cantons can now travel by mail thanks to a limited stamp issue, available from April 7 via the bpost e-shop.
Monday 7 April 2025To mark the centenary of the definitive integration of Eupen, Saint-Vith and Malmedy into Belgium, bpost unveils a unique philatelic issue that pays tribute to this multifaceted region. This exceptional project, developed in close collaboration with the East Belgium Tourism Agency, celebrates the history, heritage, and cultural richness of this border region.
Stamps Celebrating Regional Bilingualism
For the first time in Belgian philatelic history, the traditional "Belgique-België" is replaced by "Belgique-Belgien" on these special stamps*, emphasizing the unique linguistic identity of this region that includes Eupen, Saint-Vith and Malmedy.
The stamp sheet is precisely cut to match the geographic contours of the East Cantons – a technical feat.
A visual journey through the gems of the East cantons
This stamp issue, a true ambassador for the region, highlights five emblematic local treasures:
- The Pottery Museum of Raeren – a showcase of centuries-old artisanal expertise
- The wooden walkways of the Hautes Fagnes – guardians of a preserved natural area with a unique ecosystem in Europe
- The Cwarmé of Malmedy – a living expression of deeply rooted intangible cultural heritage
- The Vennbahn at the Grünen Kloster – a remnant of cross-border railway history, now transformed into a scenic bike path
- The Our Valley – a natural gem that shapes the landscape
The stamps have a '2 national' value for shipments within Belgium. The stamp sheet costs €14.90 and is available via the eShop and at selected post offices in the following region: Amel, Büllingen, Burg-Reuland, Bütgenbach, Lontzen, Raeren, Waimes, Kelmis, Malmedy, Sankt Vith, and Eupen Oberstad
*This is the first time the double mention appears on stamps. "Belgien" has previously appeared on a stamp alongside "Belgique-België", but never solely with "Belgique".