Belgium

Beginning in 57 BC, Julius Caesar extended the power of Rome into the region of Europe that is now Belgium. The people he encountered there were the Belgae, one of the various Celtic tribes of early Gaul, and the Romans dubbed their new province Gallia Belgica. In the fourth century AD, with Rome in decline, control of Gaul was ceded to the Franks, a Germanic tribe that the weakened empire employed as mercenaries. As the Franks flourished, they decided to dispense with their Roman employers. By 431, they had established an independent dynasty, the Merovingian, with its capital at Tournai. Soon after, under Clovis I (c.466-511), the Merovingians succeeded in pummelling the last of the Romans in Gaul. They held large parts of present day France and Belgium as well as south-western Germany. Clovis also adopted Christianity, thus gaining the support of the Church.

After Clovis' death the Merovingian kingdom began to fragment, and the Frankish lands did not come together under single rule again until the reign of Pepin III (the Short) in 751. Pepin deposed the last of the Merovingians and founded the Carolingian dynasty, which is named after his son Charlemagne.

Charlemagne succeeded his father in 768 and ruled for almost a half century, creating during that time an empire that covered nearly all of continental Europe, with the exception of Spain and Scandinavia. In 800, Pope Leo III crowned him Emperor of the West. Although Charlemagne spent much of his reign conquering and subduing various parts of Europe, he also did much to foster commerce and the arts. The beginnings of organized trade along Belgium's rivers was one result of his reign, as was the preservation of classical learning and the arts.

On Charlemagne's death, his empire was divided, and familial feuding led finally to the Treaty of Verdun in 843. Under the terms of the treaty, three of Charlemagne's grandsons split the empire between them. West Francia, under Charles the Bold, formed the basis of France. The Middle Kingdom was given to Lothair, though it would soon fragment. East Francia, under Louis the German, became the basis of Germany. West Francia included the narrow strip of land north and west of the Scheldt river in today's Belgium. The remainder of present-day Belgium was included first in the Middle Kingdom, under Lothair, but it gradually came under the sway of the German kings.

This division was soon to have great consequences for the development of Belgium's nascent cities. In the northwestern part of Belgium, which nominally belonged to the young kingdom of France, there arose the powerful Counts of Flanders. The first of these was Baldwin Iron Arm, who amply demonstrated his independence from the French by carrying off and marrying one of the daughters of Charles the Bold. Baldwin also began the process of creating fortified towns in Flanders in order to curtail the depredations of the Norsemen. The first of these was Ghent (c.867), and the process was continued by Baldwin's heir (Baldwin II) with the fortification of Bruges and Ypres. The southeastern part of today's Belgium eventually became part of the Duchy of Lower Lotharingia or Lorraine, under the German kings.

In 977, Charles, Duke of Lorraine, built the fortress on the Senne River that was the foundation of Brussels. For the most part, however, the south-eastern portion of today's Belgium became split into a number of minor spheres of power, one of which was the prince-bishopric of Liege.

At the outset of the new millennium, Belgium consisted of the cities of Flanders, unified under their strong Counts, and the less unified cities to the south and east of the Scheldt. As the Norse raids fell off and Europe's major kingdoms gradually stabilized, trade began to grow by leaps and bounds. For Flanders in particular, this was the beginning of a golden age. By importing wool from England and weaving it into fine cloth for sale on the continent, the Flemish cities became exceedingly wealthy, populous, and powerful. By 1300, Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres, in particular, had gained virtual autonomy from aristocratic rule, developing the proud civic culture that still distinguishes them today.

Needless to say, this situation did not please the aristocracy, who itched to regain control over such attractive sources of wealth and power. The Counts of Flanders wanted to regain their local authority, and France very much wanted to reassert its claims to Flanders. In 1302, the cities successfully rejected such claims, utterly defeating the French nobility at the Battle of the Golden Spurs. But the aristocracy persisted, and its unity eventually proved stronger than that of the cities, where local rivalries complicated unified resistance. By 1329, the independence of the cities had been broken, and Flanders once again came under the control of France.

England, as the supplier of raw wool to the cloth trade, was more than a little displeased by this outcome. It stopped sending wool, and began a long attempt to break French power, both in Flanders and in France itself. For almost a century, the French and English clashed repeatedly in the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), and in Flanders the struggle coincided with repeated attempts by the cities to regain their autonomy. The struggles finally ended when Philip the Bold of Burgundy, who had benefited from Burgundy's long alliance with the English against the French, became the ruler of Flanders in 1384.

Under Philip the Good (ruled 1419-1467), the Burgundian empire in Belgium expanded and began to flourish. Philip gained control of the southeastern areas, including Brussels, Namur, and Liege. He suppressed the independence of the cities, brought them under central rule from Brussels, and consolidated the region's economy. Philip's reign brought new prosperity and, with it, a great era of cultural development.

Painting especially reached new highs in the work of Robert Campin, the brothers van Eyck, and Rogier van der Weyden. After Philip's death, his rule over present-day Belgium passed first to Charles V.

In the 1490s, as Bruges' waterways to the sea gradually silted up, trade shifted further north and Antwerp emerged as the pre-eminent commercial city in the region

The ascension of Philip II to the Spanish throne in 1555 brought on the next crisis in Belgium's history, as King Philip's strident Spanish Catholicism coincided tragically with the rise of Protestantism in northern Europe. In the Flemish cities especially, Protestantism was a deeply political movement, linked to the long tradition of resistance to aristocratic domination. Social unrest in the cities was met by Philip with harsh and rigid repression, including the introduction of a massive Spanish military presence in the north as well as the execution of thousands of Protestants. By 1565, a powerful League of Nobility, under the leadership of William of Orange and Count Egmont (governor of Flanders), had joined in the opposition to Spain. Philip responded by sending in the notorious Duke of Alva at the head of an army of 10,000 troops.

Alva outlawed William, executed Egmont and other leading nobles in Brussels' Grand'Place, and began terrorizing the country. Popular opposition exploded, particularly in the north, and within a few years Alva found himself powerless to exercise control over any but the southern cities, which had remained much closer to the Catholic church.

By 1576, William's power in the north was virtually unchallenged, and he came to terms with the Spanish. The United Provinces, as the northern regions came to be known, struggled for the next seventy-five years to maintain their independence. The Catholic regions to the south remained faithful to Spain, becoming known as the Spanish Netherlands. In 1648, with the Treaty of Munster, the much-weakened Spanish not only recognized the independence of the United Provinces, but also agreed to close the Scheldt to navigation. As a result, Antwerp and Ghent, like Bruges before them, lost their predominance as the region's centres of trade. For the next several centuries, the Dutch port of Amsterdam would play that role.

Over the next century, France emerged as the most powerful state in Europe. Under the rule of Louis XIV (1659-1715), the French made sustained efforts to extend their control over the Spanish Netherlands. Louis' ambitions were feared not only by the Spanish, but also by the Dutch, who had no desire to see powerful France extend its borders to their own. England also opposed French expansion, especially after William III, ruler of the Dutch, accepted the English throne.

As a result, present-day Belgium was for much of the century a battleground between Louis XIV and the shifting alliances of his opponents.

These struggles reached their climax during the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713), prompted by the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain. Before his death, Charles had named as his successor Philip of Anjou, who also happened to be Louis' grandson. As one might expect, Louis informed his young relative that it would be best for all concerned if Philip would immediately cede the Spanish Netherlands to France. It was an offer that Philip could not refuse, but also one that no one else in Europe could accept. For the next decade France attempted repeatedly to establish its rule, while Dutch, English, and Austrian armies consistently rejected each attempt. By 1713, Louis had had enough, and with the Treaty of Utrecht France ceded its claims over the Spanish Netherlands to the Habsburg rulers of Austria.

In fact, the region continued to enjoy virtual independence, paying as little attention to the Habsburg claims as it had paid to the claims of the weakened Spanish during the previous century. By the end of the 18th century Belgium was ready to assert its own identity. With the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, the country rose up in revolt against the Austrians, and in 1790 independence was declared in the form of the United States of Belgium. However, the leaders of the new country were deeply divided amongst themselves, and the Austrians rapidly re-established control. Austria, however, soon found itself at war with the French Republic, and by 1795 the successful French had "liberated" Belgium. Although the French instituted far-reaching reforms that later served as the foundations for the modern Belgian government, they were in fact far more inclined to see Belgium as a source of revenue and troops. Churches were seized and despoiled, massive conscription was introduced, and popular protest was crushed with a ruthlessness reminiscent of the Spanish occupation.

With the rise of Napoleon, French rule over Belgium became more constructive, including the revitalization of industry and (with the opening of the Scheldt) the partial recovery of Antwerp. With Napoleon's fall, the great Allied powers decreed that Belgium would become a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, ruled by the pro-Dutch William of Orange. By 1830 the Belgians' patience had run out. Revolution erupted in Brussels and quickly spread across the country. William made a brief effort to regain control, but within a few months he withdrew. On 20 January, 1831, after centuries of external rule, Belgium was recognized as an independent nation.

The Belgians chose Leopold of Saxe-Coburg to be their first King, under a constitution that significantly limited the power of the monarchy.

Under Leopold I and then his son Leopold II, Belgium flourished both economically and culturally.

Leopold II was succeeded in 1909 by Albert I, his nephew. Albert's reign was dominated by World War I, during which most of the country fell under extremely harsh German occupation despite determined resistance. The Belgian army survived the invasion, and it played a central role in retaking the country at the end of the war. Albert lived until 1934, when he died in a tragic climbing accident. His wife Elisabeth is remembered as a great patron of the arts. Together with Eugene Ysaye, she founded the world-renowned Queen Elisabeth Contest, Belgium's foremost musical competition.

Albert was succeeded by his son Leopold III, who like his father was soon confronted by war. In 1940, Germany invaded Belgium and Holland. As the blitzkrieg swept across the country, the Belgian government evacuated to London. Leopold, however, surrendered to the German forces when the Belgian lines at Kortrijk were broken. The territories of Eupen, Malmedy and St. Vith were annexed to the German Reich and the rest of Belgium occupied. Leopold was held prisoner in the palace of Laeken before being taken to Germany. When the Allied Forces liberated Belgium at the end of 1944, popular feeling against Leopold was substantial, and his brother Prince Charles assumed regency.

Leopold III returned to Belgium in 1950, but popular opposition to his rule remained substantial. In 1951, he abdicated in favor of his son Baudouin.

In the post-war period, Brussels has gradually taken on its role as the 'capital' of Europe. It is the headquarters of the European Community and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as well as gaining a reputation as the foremost European centre of international business. In 1957, Belgium formed, with the Netherlands and Luxembourg, the Benelux Union.

Perhaps the most significant of the post-war developments has been the increasing local autonomy of various regions of the country. In 1977 the country was divided into three administrative regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. In 1980, the Belgian constitution was changed to recognize this separation, shifting the structure of the nation to a federation. In 1995, the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant were created from the old province of Brabant, leaving Belgium with a total of 10 provinces.

When King Baudouin died in 1993, his brother Albert II succeeded to the throne. Albert II is married to Paola Ruffo di Calabria. The Royal couple has three children, Prince Philip (the official heir to the throne), Princess Astrid (who is married to Archduke Lorenz of Austria), and Prince Laurent.

Capital: Brussels (Brussel, Bruxelles)

Government: constitutional monarchy

Area: 30.528 km²

Population: 10.296.350 (2001)

Currency: Euro (100 cents), before 2002: Belgian frank/franc (100 centiem/centimes)

Internet TLD: .be

Dialling code: +32

Member of: United Nations and all specialized organizations

Links

Belgium in Wikipedia.

Flag of the Belgium in Flags of the World.

The website of the Philatelic Service.

Country description from the BBC.

Country description from the CIA.

Official website of the government of Belgium.

Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations.

Stamp catalogue

50th ILO Governing Body meeting, Brussels

date: 6 October 1930

designer: Jean De Bast (original stamps)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: overprint on stamps for 100 years of Belgian independence; overprinted stamps have the names

of the painters and designer in the margin

1 60 c overprint "B.I.T. / OCT. 1930" on painting of King Leopold I by Lieven De Winne (1821-1880)

lilac, overprint in blue

(cat. Michel 288/OBP 305/SG 569/Yvert 305)

2 1 FR overprint "B.I.T. / OCT. 1930" on painting of King Leopold II by Jef Leempoels (1867-1935)

carmine, overprint in blue

(cat. Michel 289/OBP 306/SG 570/Yvert 306)

3 1.75 FR overprint "B.I.T. / OCT. 1930" on painting of King Albert I by Jef Leempoels (1867-1935)

blue, overprint in red

(cat. Michel 290/OBP 307/SG 571/Yvert 307)

UPU 75th anniversary

date: 1 October 1949

designer: Jacques Bruynseraede, Jean De Bast (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

4 4 Fr. Western and Eastern hemispheres, woman with postal dove and post horn, text

"WERELDPOSTVERENIGING UNION POSTALE UNIVERSELLE / 1984 1949"

blue

(cat. Michel 852/OBP 812/SG 1296/Yvert 812)

UNESCO

date: 27 March 1951

designer: Marc Séverin, Leon Janssens (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

5 80 c + 20 c chemist, text "UNESCO"

green

(cat. Michel 884/OBP 842/SG 1365/Yvert 842)

6 2,50 fr + 50 c school class in Belgian Congo, text "UNESCO"

brown

(cat. Michel 885/OBP 843/SG 1366/Yvert 843)

7 4 fr + 2 fr allegory of peace, text "UNESCO"

blue

(cat. Michel 886/OBP 844/SG 1367/Yvert 844)

13th UPU Congress, Brussels

date: 14 May 1952

designer: Jean De Bast and William Goffin (compositors and engravers)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remarks: stamps 8-18 depict postmasters from the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis; the surcharge on

stamp 19 benefits the Friends of Beaulieu Castle (built for LamoraI Claudius Franz von Thurn

und Taxis)

8 80 c. Franz von Taxis (1459-1517) by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497-1543), coat of arms, text "1450

1517 / FRANSCISCUS DE TASSIS / CONGRES / 1952 / U.P.U. / BRUXELLES / BRUSSEL"

green

(cat. Michel 929/OBP 880/SG 1391/Yvert 880)

9 1 F. 75 Johann Baptista von Taxis (1470-1541) by Maarten van Heemskerck (1498-1574), coat of arms,

text "1476 1541 / JOANNES BAPTISTA DE LA TOUR ET TASSIS / CONGRES / 1952 / U.P.U. /

BRUSSEL / BRUXELLES"

orange

(cat. Michel 930/OBP 881/SG 1392/Yvert 881)

10 2 F. Leonhard I von Taxis (1522-1612) by Michiel Coxie (1499-1592), coat of arms, text "1523 1612 /

LEONARDUS DE TASSIS / CONGRES / 1952 / U.P.U. / BRUXELLES / BRUSSEL"

brown

(cat. Michel 931/OBP 882/SG 1393/Yvert 882)

11 2 F. 50 Lamoral von Taxis (1557-1624) by Lucas Kilian (1579-1637), coat of arms, text "1567 1624 /

LAMORAL DE TASSIS / CONGRES / 1952 / U.P.U. / BRUSSEL / BRUXELLES"

red

(cat. Michel 932/OBP 883/SG 1394/Yvert 883)

12 3 F. Leonard II von Taxis (1594-1628) from a Brussels tapestry (1646), coat of arms, text "1594 1628

/ LEONARDUS FRANSCISCUS DE LA TOUR ET TASSIS / CONGRES / 1952 / U.P.U. / BRUXELLES /

BRUSSEL"

olive

(cat. Michel 933/OBP 884/SG 1395/Yvert 884)

13 4 F. LamoraI Claudius Franz von Thurn und Taxis (1621-1676) by Nicolaas van der Horst (1587-1646),

coat of arms, text "1621 1676 / LAMORAL CLAUDIUS FRANSCISCUS DE LA TOUR ET TASSIS /

CONGRES / 1952 / U.P.U. / BRUSSEL / BRUXELLES"

blue

(cat. Michel 934/OBP 885/SG 1396/Yvert 885)

14 5 F. Eugen Alexander von Thurn und Taxis (1652-1714) by Cornelis Vermeulen (1644-1708), coat of

arms, text "1652 1714 / EUGENIUS ALEXANDER DE LA TOUR ET TASSIS / CONGRES / 1952 /

U.P.U. / BRUXELLES / BRUSSEL"

brown

(cat. Michel 935/OBP 886/SG 1397/Yvert 886)

15 5 F. 75 Anselm Franz von Thurn und Taxis (1681-1739) by François Harrewijn (1700-1764), coat of

arms, text "1681 1739 / ANSELMUS FRANSCISCUS DE LA TOUR ET TASSIS / CONGRES / 1952 /

U.P.U. / BRUSSEL / BRUXELLES"

violet

(cat. Michel 936/OBP 887/SG 1398/Yvert 887)

16 8 F. Alexander Ferdinand von Thurn und Taxis (1704-1773) by J.-G. Friedrich, coat of arms, text

"1704 1773 / ALEXANDER-FERDINANDUS DE TASSIS / CONGRES / 1952 / U.P.U. / BRUXELLES /

BRUSSEL"

black

(cat. Michel 937/OBP 888/SG 1399/Yvert 888)

17 10 F. Karl Anselm von Thurn und Taxis (1733-1805), coat of arms, text "1733 CAROLUS ANSELMUS

DE LA TOUR ET TASSIS 1805 / CONGRES / 1952 / U.P.U. / BRUSSEL / BRUXELLES"

purple

(cat. Michel 938/OBP 889/SG 1400/Yvert 889)

18 20 F. Karl Alexander von Thurn und Taxis (1770-1827) by Johann Philipp Bach (1752-1846), coat of

arms, text "1770 1827 / CAROLUS ALEXANDER DE TASSIS / CONGRES / 1952 / U.P.U. /

BRUXELLES / BRUSSEL"

grey

(cat. Michel 939/OBP 890/SG 1401/Yvert 890)

19 40 F. + 10 F. Beaulieu Castle in Machelen, coat of arms, text "CASTELLUM BEAULIEU MACHELEN 1654 /

CONGRES / 1952 / U.P.U. / BRUXELLES / BRUSSEL"

turquoise

(cat. Michel 940/OBP 891/SG 1402/Yvert 891)

Expo 58, Brussels

date: 17 April 1958

designer: 20: Jean Van Noten (Belgium), Charles Leclercqz (engraver)

21: Jean Van Noten (Belgium), Leon Janssens (engraver)

22: Ole Hamann (Copenhagen, Denmark), Charles Leclercqz (engraver)

23: M. Wijckaert (Belgium), Henri Decuyper (engraver)

24: Jean Van Noten (Belgium), Leon Janssens (engraver)

25: M. Maniet (Paris, France), Henri Decuyper (engraver)

26: L. Rodan-Jacobo (Madrid, Spain), Henri Decuyper (engraver)

27: Jean Van Noten (Belgium), Henri Decuyper (engraver)

28: Jean Van Noten (Belgium), Henri Decuyper (engraver)

29: L.T., Charles Leclercqz (engraver)

30: D.F. Rogers (New York, USA), Charles Leclercqz (engraver)

31: Jean Van Noten (Belgium), Leon Janssens (engraver)

32: M. Maniet (Paris, France), Charles Leclercqz (engraver)

33: Claude Bottiau (France), Henri Decuyper (engraver)

34: Kurt Plowitz (New York, USA), Charles Leclercqz (engraver)

35: Jean Van Noten (Belgium), Leon Janssens (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remarks: stamps were only valid on correspondence posted at the UN pavilion at Expo 58; all stamps

have the text "VERENIGDE NATIES", "NATIONS UNIES" and "UNITED NATIONS" in different

order; nrs. 27-29 and 31-33 airmail

20 50 c workers, scales of justice, olive branch, cross, sun, trees, UN and Expo 58 emblems,

text "INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION"

grey

(cat. Michel 1100/OBP 1053/SG 1642/Yvert 1053)

21 1 F acorns, wheat, fish, rice, bull, UN and Expo 58 emblems, text "FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

ORGANIZATION"

red

(cat. Michel 1101/OBP 1054/SG 1643/Yvert 1054)

22 1.50 F UN emblem seen through open window, Expo 58 emblems

blue

(cat. Michel 1102/OBP 1055/SG 1644/Yvert 1055)

23 2 F globe, factory, dam, UN and Expo 58 emblems, text "WORLD BANK"

purple

(cat. Michel 1103/OBP 1056/SG 1645/Yvert 1056)

24 2.50 F laboratory glassware, open book, lyre, UNESCO emblem, UN and Expo 58 emblems

green

(cat. Michel 1104/OBP 1057/SG 1646/Yvert 1057)

25 3 F United Nations pavilion on UN emblem, Expo 58 emblem

turquoise

(cat. Michel 1105/OBP 1058/SG 1647/Yvert 1058)

26 5 F symbolic representations of microphone, antenna and telegraph cables, UIT emblem, UN and

Expo 58 emblems, text "INTERNATIONAL / TELECOMMUNICATION / UNION"

mauve

(cat. Michel 1106/OBP 1059/SG 1648/Yvert 1059)

27 5 F aircraft marshaller, communications ship, ICAO emblem, Expo 58 emblem, text "INTERNATIONAL

/ CIVIL AVIATION / ORGANIZATION"

blue

(cat. Michel 1110/OBP LP 30/SG 1652/Yvert PA 30)

28 6 F gyroscope, satellite dish, weather balloon, clouds and rain, WMO emblem, Expo 58 emblem,

text "WORLD / METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION"

green

(cat. Michel 1111/OBP LP 31/SG 1653/Yvert PA 31)

29 7.50 F refugee family, UN and Expo 58 emblems, text "PROTECTION / OF REFUGEES"

violet

(cat. Michel 1112/OBP LP 32/SG 1654/Yvert PA 32)

30 8 F hemispheres, scales with coins, IMF emblem, UN and Expo 58 emblems

brown

(cat. Michel 1107/OBP 1060/SG 1649/Yvert 1060)

31 8 F boom barrier, winged hat and wand of Hermes, UN and Expo 58 emblems, text "GENERAL

AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE"

sepia

(cat. Michel 1113/OBP LP 33/SG 1655/Yvert PA 33)

32 9 F children of different races around UNICEF emblem, UN and Expo 58 emblems

red

(cat. Michel 1114/OBP LP 34/SG 1656/Yvert PA 34)

33 10 F symbolic atom and arrow, UN and Expo 58 emblems, text "atomic energy / agency"

brown

(cat. Michel 1115/OBP LP 35/SG 1657/Yvert PA 35)

34 11 F map of the world, rod of Asclepius, WHO and Expo 58 emblems, text "WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION"

lilac

(cat. Michel 1108/OBP 1061/SG 1650/Yvert 1061)

35 20 F post horn, globe, postal van, ship and train, UNO and Expo 58 emblems, text "UPU"

red

(cat. Michel 1109/OBP 1062/SG 1651/Yvert 1062)

Universal Declaration of Human Rights 10th anniversary

date: 10 December 1958

designer: Edouard Meert, Henri Decuyper (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

36 2 F 50 hands with baby in front of UN emblem, text "10.XII.1948 - 10.XII.1958 / DROITS DE L'HOMME

/ RECHTEN VAN DE MENS"

slate

(cat. Michel 1142/OBP 1089/SG 1674/Yvert 1089)

World Refugee Year

date: 7 April 1960

designer: Jean Van Noten, Jean De Bast (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

size souv. sheet: 121 x 93 mm

37 40 c + 10 c refugee child, WTY emblem, text "ANNEE MONDIALE DU REFUGIE / WERELDJAAR VOOR DE

VLUCHTELING"

purple

(cat. Michel 1182/OBP 1125/SG 1716/Yvert 1125)

38 3 F + 1.50 F refugee man, WTY emblem, text "WERELDJAAR VOOR DE VLUCHTELING / ANNEE MONDIALE

DU REFUGIE "

sepia

(cat. Michel 1183/OBP 1126/SG 1717/Yvert 1126)

39 6 F + 3 F refugee woman, WTY emblem, text "ANNEE MONDIALE DU REFUGIE / WERELDJAAR VOOR DE

VLUCHTELING"

blue

(cat. Michel 1184/OBP 1127/SG 1718/Yvert 1127)

40 14 F souvenir sheet with stamps 37-39 in different colours, WTY emblem, text

"WERELDVLUCHTELINGENJAAR / ANNEE MONDIALE DU RÉFUGIÉ"

40 c + 10 c violet

3 F + 1.50 F brown

6 F + 3 F red

(cat. Michel block 26/OBP blok 32/SG MS 1719/Yvert BF 32)

UNICEF

date: 8 October 1960

designer: Edouard Meert, Henri Decuyper (engraver 41+46), Charles Leclercqz (engraver 42+44),

Jean De Vos (engraver 43+45)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

41 40 c + 10 c milk bottle, cup, child, UNICEF emblem, text "UNICEF"

yellow, green, brown

(cat. Michel 1212/OBP 1153/SG 1749/Yvert 1153)

42 1 F + 50 c nurse with children of different races, UNICEF emblem, text "UNICEF"

red, blue, drab

(cat. Michel 1213/OBP 1154/SG 1750/Yvert 1154)

43 2 F + 50 c refugee girl receiving clothes, UNICEF emblem, text "UNICEF"

bistre, green, violet

(cat. Michel 1214/OBP 1155/SG 1751/Yvert 1155)

44 2 F 50 + 1 F nurse with baby on scales, UNICEF emblem, text "UNICEF"

sepia, blue, red

(cat. Michel 1215/OBP 1156/SG 1752/Yvert 1156)

45 3 F + 1 F children of different races playing in front of tree, UNICEF emblem, text "UNICEF"

violet, orange, turquoise

(cat. Michel 1216/OBP 1157/SG 1753/Yvert 1157)

46 6 F + 2 F refugee children in front destroyed house, UNICEF emblem, text "UNICEF"

brown, green, blue

(cat. Michel 1217/OBP 1158/SG 1754/Yvert 1158)

Triumph of Peace

date: 5 December 1960

designer: Etn. Daams, Leon Janssens (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of six stamps; surcharge to benefit anti-tuberculosis fund

47 40 c + 10 c detail of 'Triumph of Peace' tapestry, cross of Lorraine

ochre, brown, blue

(cat. Michel 1222/OBP 1163/SG 1759/Yvert 1163)

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

date: 24 November 1962

designer: C. Haubrechts, Leon Janssens (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: design based on "The Creation of Adam" (1511) in the Sistine Chapel (Vatican City) by

Michelangelo (1475-1564)

48 3 F Adam, broken chain, UN emblem, text "DE RECHTEN VAN DE MENS / LES DROITS DE L'HOMME"

sepia, green

(cat. Michel 1291/OBP 1231/SG 1831/Yvert 1231)

49 6 F Adam, broken chain, UN emblem, text "LES DROITS DE L'HOMME / DE RECHTEN VAN DE MENS "

sepia, brown

(cat. Michel 1292/OBP 1232/SG 1832/Yvert 1232)

Freedom from Hunger Campaign

date: 20 March 1963

designer: Jean Malvaux, Henri Decuyper (engraver 50), Paul Verheyden (engraver 51), Charles Leclercqz

(engraver 52)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

50 2 F + 1F sower, detail from 'Parable of the Sower' (1557) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1525-1569), Timken

Museum of Art, San Diego

brown, black, green

(cat. Michel 1303/OBP 1243/SG 1845/Yvert 1243)

51 3 F + 1F harvesting woman, detail from 'The Harvesters' (1566) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1525-1569),

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

brown, black, purple

(cat. Michel 1304/OBP 1244/SG 1846/Yvert 1244)

52 6 F + 2F couple with bread and coffee, detail from 'The Bread' by Anto Carte (1886-1954)

yellow, black, brown

(cat. Michel 1305/OBP 1245/SG 1847/Yvert 1245)

Paris Postal Conference Centenary

date: 7 May 1963

designer: Jean Malvaux, Jean De Bast (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

53 6 F post coach in front of the Hôtel de Postes, Paris, Belgian stamp from 1863, text "1e

INTERNATIONALE POSTCONFERENTIE / PARIJS 1863 PARIS / 1ère CONFÉRENCE POSTALE

INTERNATIONALE"

sepia, mauve, green

(cat. Michel 1310/OBP 1250/SG 1852/Yvert 1250)

UNRWA

date: 26 April 1965

designer: Marc Séverin, Leon Janssens (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

size souv. sheet: 123 x 89 mm

remarks: sheet contains stamps issued for the Floralies of Ghent (flower show) on 13 February 1965 in

different colours; surcharge to profit the UN refugee work; sheet with overprint "THANKSGIVING

/ DAY" is a private issue

54 20 F souvenir sheet, Belgian post and UNRWA emblems

1 F Flaming sword (Vriesea splendens), text "GENTSE FLORALIËN / FLORALIES GANTOISES" and

"VRIESIA"

2 F Fendlers cactus (Echinocereus fendleri), text " FLORALIES GANTOISES / GENTSE FLORALIËN"

and "ECHINOCATUS"

3 F Carrion plant (Stapelia hirsute), text "GENTSE FLORALIËN / FLORALIES GANTOISES" and

"STAPELIA"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel block 32/OBP blok 38/SG MS 1927/Yvert BF 38)

ITU Centenary

date: 10 May 1965

designer: Herman Verbaere, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

55 2 F globe with text "U.I.T.", telephone receiver, Wheatstone tape, text "1865 1965"

violet, black

(cat. Michel 1390/OBP 1333/SG 1928/Yvert 1333)

International Tourist Year

date: 11 February 1967

designer: Pasture

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

56 6 F ITY emblem, text "ANNEE INTERNATIONALE DU TOURISME / WERELDJAAR VAN HET TOERISME"

red, blue, black

(cat. Michel 1464/OBP 1407/SG 2007/Yvert 1407)

European Refugee Campaign

date: 11 March 1967

designer: Herman Verbaere

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

size souv. sheet: 110 x 76 mm

remarks: surcharge to profit the European Refugee Campaign; sheet with overprint

"THANKSGIVING / DAY" is a private issue

57 20 F souvenir sheet, Belgian post and UNHCR emblems

1 F Palestinian refugee child getting new clothes

2 F Tibetan refugee children getting food

3 F African refugee family waiting for aid

multicoloured

(cat. Michel block 37/OBP blok 43/SG MS 2008/Yvert BF 43)

ILO 50th anniversary

date: 31 May 1969

designer: -

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

58 3 F painting Les Constructeurs (The Builders, 1950) by Fernand Léger (1881-1955), Musée National

Fernand Léger, Biot, text "O.I.T. 1919-1969 I.A.O."

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1550/OBP 1497/SG 2113/Yvert 1497)

UNICEF

date: 31 May 1969

designer: Jean Malvaux (cylinders), drawings by:

59: Ivanka Dimitrova Pancheva (Bulgaria)

60: Patric Claes (Belgium)

61: Helena Rejchlova (Czechoslovakia)

62: Phyllis Sporn (United States)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

59 1 F + 50 C "Small houses", UNICEF emblem

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1551/OBP 1492/SG 2114/Yvert 1492)

60 3 F + 1 50 F "My art" (Saint Nicholas), UNICEF emblem

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1552/OBP 1493/SG 2115/Yvert 1493)

61 6 F + 3 F "In the sunshine", UNICEF emblem

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1553/OBP 1494/SG 2116/Yvert 1494)

62 10 F + 5 F "Walking", UNICEF emblem

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1554/OBP 1495/SG 2117/Yvert 1495)

Inauguration of UPU Headquarters, Berne

date: 12 April 1970

designer: Frans Lauwers, Leon Janssens (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

63 3 F 50 UPU Headquarters, UPU emblem, text "U.P.U. - BERNE / W.P.U. - BERN / JOURNÉE DU TIMBRE

1970 DAG VAN DE POSTZEGEL"

green

(cat. Michel 1586/OBP 1529/SG 2149/Yvert 1529)

UNHCR

date: 25 April 1970

designer: Marc Séverin, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

size souv. sheet: 120 x 90 mm

remarks: sheet contains stamps issued for the Floralies of Ghent (flower show) on 31 January 1970 in

different background colours; surcharge to profit the UN refugee work

64 25 F souvenir sheet, Belgian post, UNHCR and UN emblems

1 50 F Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica), text "GENTSE FLORALIËN / FLORALIES GANTOISES" and

"CAMELLIA JAPONICA"

2 50 F Hardy waterlily (Nymphaea sunrise), text " FLORALIES GANTOISES / GENTSE FLORALIËN" and

"NYMPHEA SUNRISE"

3 50 F Azalea (Azalea simsii), text "GENTSE FLORALIËN / FLORALIES GANTOISES" and

"AZALEA SIMSII"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel block 41/OBP blok 47/SG MS 2145/Yvert BF 47)

UNO 25th anniversary

date: 12 September 1970

designer: Herman Verbaere, Paul Verheyden (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

65 7 F UNO Headquarters, text "VERENIGDE NATIES / NATIONS UNIES / 1945-1970"

blue, black

(cat. Michel 1602/OBP 1549/SG 2165/Yvert 1549)

Camille Huysmans

date: 14 November 1970

designer: Luc De Decker, Jean de Vos (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of four stamps

66 1 F 50 + 50 C portrait, text "C. HUYSMANS"

lilac, violet brown

(cat. Michel 1613/OBP 1557/SG 2173/Yvert 1557)

Maria Baers

date: 14 November 1970

designer: Luc De Decker, Jean de Vos (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of four stamps

67 7 F + 3 F portrait, text "M. BAERS"

green, violet brown

(cat. Michel 1615/OBP 1559/SG 2175/Yvert 1559)

World Telecommunication Day

date: 15 May 1971

designer: Jean Malvaux

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

68 7 F satellite earth station, text "3e WERELDDAG DER TELECOMMUNICATIES / 3e JOURNEE

MONDIALE DES TELECOMMUNICATIONS"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1635/OBP 1580/SG 2205/Yvert 1580)

International Book Year

date: 19 February 1972

designer: Michel Olyff, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

69 7 F IBY emblem, text "1972 / Internationaal jaar / van het boek / Année internationale /

du livre"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1672/OBP 1618/SG 2264/Yvert 1618)

World Health Day 1972 - Your heart is your health

date: 25 March 1972

designer: Salmon Grunhard, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

70 7 F heart with World map and electrocardiogram on sphere, text "CAMPAGNE MONDIALE / DU

COEUR / WERELDCAMPAGNE / VOOR HET HART"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1675/OBP 1619/SG 2269/Yvert 1619)

WMO Centenary

date: 24 March 1973

designer: Gustave Van de Woestijne, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

71 9 F Meteorological Institute, Ukkel, WMO jubilee emblem, text "ORGANISATION METEOROLOGIQUE

MONDIALE / METEOROLOGISCHE WERELDORGANISATIE"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1714/OBP 1661/SG 2298/Yvert 1651)

WHO 25th anniversary

date: 7 April 1973

designer: Julien Keymolen, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

72 8 F person with WHO emblem as heart, text "1948 1973"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1720/OBP 1667/SG 2303/Yvert 1657)

World Telecommunication Day

date: 12 May 1973

designer: Kenneth Ponsaers, Leon Janssens (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

73 3 F 50 globe with arrows, emblem, text "5e werelddag van de telekommunikatie / 5e journée mondiale

des télécommuncations"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1725/OBP 1673/SG 2309/Yvert 1665)

Hubert Krains

date: 27 April 1974

designer: Luc De Decker, Constant Spinoy (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

74 5 F. portrait, text "JOURNEE DU TIMBRE / DAG VAN DE POSTZEGEL / 1974 / H. KRAINS"

black

(cat. Michel 1765/OBP 1713/SG 2349/Yvert 1705)

UPU Centenary

date: 5 October 1974

designer: Luc De Decker, Henri Decuyper (engraver 75), Charles Leclercqz (engraver 76)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

75 5 F portrait of Montgomery Blair, UPU monument, text "U.P.U.-W.P.U. / 1874-1974 /

Montgomery Blair"

green, black

(cat. Michel 1781/OBP 1729/SG 2363/Yvert 1725)

76 10 F portrait of Heinrich von Stephan, UPU monument, text "U.P.U.-W.P.U. / 1874-1974 /

H. von Stephan"

pink, black

(cat. Michel 1782/OBP 1730/SG 2364/Yvert 1726)

International Women's Year

date: 21 June 1975

designer: Luc De Decker, Jean de Vos (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: Marie Popelin was the first Belgian female doctor of law (graduated 12 July 1888)

77 6 F 50 portrait of Marie Popelin, Brussels Palace of Justice, IWY emblem, text "Marie POPELIN 1846-1913

/ ANNEE INTERNATIONALE DE LA FEMME / INTERNATIONAAL JAAR VAN DE VROUW"

green, violet

(cat. Michel 1828/OBP 1776/SG 2398/Yvert 1767)

Frans Hemerijckx

date: 13 September 1975

designer: Jean Malvaux, after a drawing by Paul Deweerdt

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

78 20 F + 10 F portrait of Frans Hemerijckx, African village, text "Dr. FRANS HEMERIJCKX / 1902-1969"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1830/OBP 1778/SG 2400/Yvert 1773)

World Rheumatism Year

date: 19 February 1977

designer: Willy Bosschem, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of two stamps

79 14 f + 7 f joint, red cross, WRY emblem, text "WERELDJAAR VAN HET REUMA 1977 / ANNEE MONDIALE

DU RHUMATISME"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1893/OBP 1841/SG 2479/Yvert 1835)

World Health Day 1978 - Down with high blood pressure

date: 18 February 1978

designer: Oscar Bonnevalle, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of three stamps

80 6 F + 3 F body with blood pressure meter, scale, text "MOIS MONDIAL DE L'HYPERTENSION /

WERELD-HYPERTENSIE-MAAND"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1934/OBP 1882/SG 2518/Yvert 1877)

Paul-Henri Spaak

date: 18 March 1978

designer: Mathy Graphic, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of four stamps

81 14 F portrait, map of the European Economic Community, text "P.H. SPAAK / Action Européenne

Europese Actie"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1939/OBP 1887/SG 2523/Yvert 1882)

International Year of the Child

date: 8 December 1979

designer: Oscar Bonnevalle, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of three stamps

82 16 F + 8 F boy, IYC emblem, text "Internationaal Jaar van het Kind / Année Internationale de l'Enfant"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2009/OBP 1957/SG 2583/Yvert 1962)

Frans Van Cauwelaert

date: 23 February 1980

designer: Jean de Vos

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

83 5 F portrait, text "FRANS VAN CAUWELAERT 1880-1961"

black

(cat. Michel 2016/OBP 1965/SG 2585/Yvert 1964)

International Year of Disabled Persons

date: 7 February 1981

designer: Jean Michel Foton and Jacques Richez, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

84 10 F + 5 F symbolic representation of the brain, text "ANNEE INTERNATIONALE DES HANDICAPES

INTERNATIONAAL JAAR DER GEHANDICAPTEN"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2051/OBP 1999/SG 2637/Yvert 1999)

85 25 F + 10 F symbolic representation of the eye, text " INTERNATIONAAL JAAR DER GEHANDICAPTEN

ANNEE INTERNATIONALE DES HANDICAPES"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2052/OBP 2000/SG 2638/Yvert 2000)

World Communications Year

date: 23 April 1983

designer: Roger Dudant, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

86 11 F symbolic representation of sorting office Brussels-X, WCY emblem, text "DAG VAN DE POSTZEGEL

/ JOURNEE DU TIMBRE"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2141/OBP 2089/SG 2754/Yvert 2089)

International Youth Year

date: 19 October 1985

designer: Karl Meersman, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

87 9 young boy, peace dove, IYY and youth philately emblems, text "JEUGDFILATELIE / PHILATELIE

DE LA JEUNESSE"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2244/OBP 2192/SG 2856/Yvert 2192)

International Year of Peace

date: 8 March 1986

designer: Firma Dechy, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

88 23 peace dove/hand with laurel branch, IYP emblem, text "INTERNATIONAAL JAAR VAN DE VREDE /

ANNEE INTERNATIONALE DE LA PAIX"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2254/OBP 2202/SG 2866/Yvert 2204)

Corneel Heymans

date: 14 February 1987

designer: Charles Leclercqz

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

89 13 + 3 portrait, Red Cross emblem, text "C. HEYMANS / 1892-1968 / NOBELPRIJS 1938 PRIX NOBEL"

black, red

(cat. Michel 2293/OBP 2241/SG 2900/Yvert 2241)

United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace / Emilienne Brunfaut

date: 10 March 1990

designer: Jacques Richez, P.P.G. De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

90 25 F portrait of Emilienne Brunfaut (1908-1986), crowd, text "JOURNEE INTERNA- / TIONALE DES

FEMMES / INTERNATIONALE DAG / VAN DE VROUWEN / EMILIENNE / BRUNFAUT"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2412/OBP 2360/SG 2900/Yvert 2360)

Amnesty International

date: 21 September 1991

designer: Marc Schuttekatte, P.P.G. De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of two stamps

91 25 people in jail receiving letters, AI emblem

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2474/OBP 2422/SG 3071/Yvert 2422)

Telecom 91, Geneva

date: 5 October 1991

designer: Jacques Richez, P.P.G. De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

92 14 Telecom 91 emblem

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2479/OBP 2427/SG 3089/Yvert 2427)

Jean Van Noten

date: 11 April 1992

designer: Paul Huybrechts, P.P.G. De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

93 15 portrait, text "J. Van Noten / Journée du Timbre / Dag van de Postzegel"

light red, black

(cat. Michel 2503/OBP 2451/SG 3124/Yvert 2451)

Non Proliferation Treaty

date: 22 April 1995

designer: Rob Buytaert, P.P.G. De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of two Europa stamps

94 30 nuclear explosion, text "plus jamais / nooit meer"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2650/OBP 2598/SG 3265/Yvert 2598)

UNO 50th anniversary

date: 19 May 1995

designer: Paul Ibou, P.P.G. De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

95 16 F UN emblem, text "50 ONU VN"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2653/OBP 2601/SG 3267/Yvert 2600)

UNICEF 50th anniversary

date: 16 November 1996

designer: Laurence Perreaux, P.P.G. De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

96 16 + 4 children from different races in front of globe, text "UNICEF 50"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2722/OBP 2670/SG 3362/Yvert 2670)

Belgian UN Peacekeeping Forces

date: 8 March 1997

designer: MVTM, Vox. SID F. Domange (photo), P.P.G. De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

97 17 observer looking through binoculars in camp, UN flag

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2744/OBP 2692/SG 3373/Yvert 2692)

Edmond Struyf

date: 2 May 1998

designer: Patricia Vouez, P.P.G. De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

98 17 portrait, Pro-Post emblem, text "Dag van de Postzegel / Journée du Timbre / Edmond Struyf"

black, red, yellow

(cat. Michel 2809/OBP 2759/SG 3433/Yvert 2756)

World Post Day 1998 - World Stamp Day

date: 17 October 1998

designer: MVTM, Group De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

99 34 WADP emblem, text "WERELDVERENIGING TER BEVORDERING VAN DE FILATELIE / WADP /

ASSOCIATION MONDIALE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT DE LA PHILATELIE"

blue, white

(cat. Michel 2836/OBP 2784/SG 3462/Yvert 2784)

UPU 125th anniversary

date: 13 March 1999

designer: MVTM, Group De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

100 34 letters on a World map, text "125 ANS UPU 125 JAAR"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2866/OBP 2814/SG 3486/Yvert 2814)

World Mathematical Year

date: 19 February 2000

designer: Clotilde Olyff, Group De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

101 17 / 0,42 mathematical formulas, Ishango bone, text "WORLD MATHEMATICAL YEAR"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2941/OBP 2890/SG 3561/Yvert 2889)

World Heritage

date: 17 June 2000

designer: Alain Goffin, Group De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

102 17 / 0,42 Flemish Béguinages, text "Begijnhoven / Béguinages"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2974/OBP 2923/SG 3590/Yvert 2921)

103 17 / 0,42 La Grand-Place, Brussels, text "Grote Markt Brussel / Grand-Place Bruxelles"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2975/OBP 2924/SG 3591/Yvert 2922)

104 17 / 0,42 The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainault),

text "Les ascenseurs du / De liften van het / CANAL DU CENTRE"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2976/OBP 2925/SG 3592/Yvert 2923)

UNO

date: 18 November 2000

designer: Rob Buytaert, Group De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a sheet of 20 stamps "Journey through the 20th century in 80 stamps", part 2: War

& Peace and Art (cat Michel klb. 2994-3013/OBP blok 87/SG MS 3613/Yvert 2940-2959)

105 17 / 0,42 UN emblem, UN Headquarters, text "U.N.O./O.N.U."

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 2998/OBP 2947/SG -/Yvert 2944)

Convention on the Rights of the Child

date: 28 September 2002

designer: REIN-ART (Arne Reynaert)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: printed in small sheets of 10 stamps (teddy bear with paw torn off, postmark, text "les droits de

l'enfant / de rechten van kind")

106 0,42 teddy bear with paw torn off, text "Les droits de l'enfant / De rechten van het kind"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 3146/OBP 3096/SG 3725/Yvert 3090)

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

date: 26 October 2002

designer: Clotilde Olyff

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a sheet of 20 stamps "Journey through the 20th century in 80 stamps", part 4: Society

& Social Life and Daily Life (cat Michel klb. 3161-3180/OBP blok 99/SG MS 3731/Yvert 3102-3121)

107 0,41 symbol of a person, text "DROITS / DE L'HOMME / RECHTEN / VAN DE MENS"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 3172/OBP 3122/SG -/Yvert 3113)

Peter Piot

date: 14 February 2004

designer: Nora Theys & GAL

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a sheet of 10 stamps "This is Belgium", Belgians in the world (man with Belgian flag suitcase,

stamps in large suitcase, names of the portraited persons), (cat Michel klb. 3284-3293/OBP blok 108/

SG MS 3731/Yvert 3222-3231)

108 0,57 portrait, text "Peter / Piot" with red ribbon as 'P'

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 3284/OBP 3285/SG -/Yvert 3222)

Belgian Forces in the Korean War

date: 28 September 2005

designer: MVTM

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: printed in small sheets of 10 stamps (text "1950 1953 1955 KOREA-CORÉE")

109 0,44 soldiers landing on the coast of Korea, emblems of the Volunteer Forces, text "Korea/Corée /

1950 1953 1955"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 3443/OBP 3395/SG 3904/Yvert 3380)

Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp

date: 25 September 2006

designer: B2

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: printed in small sheets of 10 stamps (researcher, ITM emblem, text "INSTITUUT VOOR TROPISCHE

GENEESKUNDE ANTWERPEN / INSTITUT DE MEDICINE TROPICALE ANVERS / INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL

MEDICINE ANTWERP / 1906-2006")

110 0,80 ITM building, text "INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL MEDICINE / 1906-2006"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 3599/OBP 3552/SG 4018/Yvert 3537)

Chris Van den Wyngaert / André Berger

date: 13 October 2007

designer: Els Vandevyvere

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: imperforated

remark: part of a sheet of 9 self adhesive stamps "This is Belgium", part 7: Sciences (cat. Michel

3749-3757/OBP blok 147/SG MS 4136/Yvert 3682-3690); the stamps can not be separated

from the sheet

111 sheet with 9 stamps on the corners and in the center of a cube, text "wetenschappen sciences / THIS

IS BELGIUM [07]" and names of the nine scientists and their fields of expertise

0,70 portrait, scales, text "Internationaal strafrecht / Droit pénal international / Chris Van den Wyngaert"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 3752/OBP 3707/SG -/Yvert 3685)

0,70 portrait, symbolic representation of climatologic events, text "Climatologie / Klimatologie / André

Berger"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 3756/OBP 3708/SG -/Yvert 3688)

Queen Fabiola

date: 7 June 2008

designer: Myriam Voz and Thierry Martin (MVTM); center portrait by Eddie Van Hoef

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

size souv. sheet: 170 x 120 mm

remarks: stamp value indicated '1' for inland letters (€ 0,54)

112 souvenir sheet, Queen's monogram, text "80ème ANNIVERSAIRE DE S.M. LA REINE FABIOLA / 80ste

VERJAARDAG VAN H.M. KONINGIN FABIOLA"

1 Queen Fabiola and King Baudouin (photo)

1 Queen Fabiola (portrait)

1 Queen Fabiola and King Baudouin (photo)

multicoloured

(cat. Michel block 131/OBP blok /SG MS /Yvert BF )

Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th anniversary

date: 8 November 2008

designer: Gerard Alsteens (GAL)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: printed in small sheets of 10 stamps (text "DROITS DE L'HOMME MENSENRECHTEN")

113 0,90 face with mouth covered, text "DROITS / DE L'HOMME / MENSENRECHTEN"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 3905/OBP /SG /Yvert )

Lily Boeykens

date: 9 March 2009

designer: Nora Theys

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: stamp value indicated '1' for inland letters (€ 0,59); part of a series of two stamps; printed in

small sheets of 10 stamps (2 x 5, female emblem, text "DE BELGISCHE VROUWENBEWEGING /

LE MOUVEMENT DES FEMMES BELGES")

114 1 portrait, women and man with equality sign, text "LILY / BOEYKENS / (1930-2005)"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 3929/OBP /SG /Yvert )

International Year of Astronomy

date: 6 April 2009

designer: Thierry Mordant

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

size souv. sheet: 125 x 90 mm

remarks: stamp value indicated '1' for letters inside Europe (€ 0,90)

115 souvenir sheet, stars and planets, antique telescope, text "ASTRONOMIE"

1 globe, telescope, stars, Europa emblem

multicoloured

(cat. Michel block 141/OBP blok /SG MS /Yvert BF )

World Heritage

date: 6 April 2009

designer: drawings and engravings: Guillaume Broux

lay-out: Jean Libert

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

size souv. sheet: 166 x 100 mm

remarks: stamp value indicated '1' for letters outside Europe (€ 1,05)

116 souvenir sheet, UNESCO and World Heritage emblems, text "Patrimoine mondial belge / Belgisch

werelderfgoed" and "Minières néolithiques / Neolithische vuursteenmijnen / Spiennes / Onze-Lieve

Vrouwekathedraal / Cathédrale Notre-Dame / Doornik/Tournai / Le Complexe Plantin / Moretus

complex / Antwerpen/Anvers / Historisch centrum / Centre historique / Brugge/Bruges / Maisons

de maître/Vitor Horta / Grote herenhuizen / Bruxelles/Brussel"

1 Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons), arrow points, , WH emblem, text "Spiennes"

1 interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai, cross, WH emblem, text "Doornik/Tournai"

1 interior of the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex, printing letters, WH emblem,

text" Antwerpen/Anvers"

1 different views of the Historic Centre of Brugge, WH emblem, text "Brugge/Bruges"

1 doors of one of the Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels), ornament, WH

emblem, text "Bruxelles/Brussel"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel block 142/OBP blok /SG MS /Yvert BF )

League of Nations Stamp catalogue

Emile Vandervelde

date: 30 July 1946

designer: Anto-Carte

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remarks: surcharge for cultural purposes; stamps were overprinted as air mail stamps for the CIPEX

international stamp exhibition, New York, in 1947

1 65 c + 75 c portrait, workers, text "IN MEMORIAM / E - VANDERVELDE / 1866 1938"

green

(cat. Michel 763/OBP 731/SG 1182/Yvert 731)

2 1 F 35+ 2 FR portrait, working family, text "E - VANDERVELDE / IN MEMORIAM / 1866 / 1938"

ultramarine

(cat. Michel 764/OBP 732/SG 1183/Yvert 732)

3 1 FR 75 + 18 FR sower, text "1866 / 1938 / IN MEMORIAM / E - VANDERVELDE "

carmine

(cat. Michel 765/OBP 733/SG 1184/Yvert 733)

Henry Jaspar

date: 2 March 1964

designer: Jean Malvaux, Henri Decuyper (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remarks: part of a series of three stamps with famous Belgians

4 2 F portrait, tondo (baby in swaddling clothes, 1490) on the Ospedale degli innocenti (Foundling hospital),

Florence, by Andrea della Robbia (1435-1525), text "H. JASPAR / 1870 1939"

black, green

(cat. Michel 1343/OBP 1283/SG 1886/Yvert 1283)

Paul Hymans

date: 24 February 1965

designer: Charles Leirens, Jean de Vos (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

5 1 F portrait, text "PAUL HYMANS"

violet

(cat. Michel 1378/OBP 1321/SG 1919/Yvert 1321)

Paul-Emile Janson

date: 15 April 1967

designer: Jean Malvaux, Charles Leclercqz (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

6 10 F portrait, text "PAUL E. JANSON"

cobalt

(cat. Michel 1470/OBP 1414/SG 2011/Yvert 1414)

Henry Carton de Wiart

date: 8 November 1969

designer: Jean Malvaux, Paul Verheyden (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

7 6 F portrait, text "1869 COMTE GRAAF H. CARTON de WIART 1951"

black

(cat. Michel 1569/OBP 1512/SG 2134/Yvert 1512)

Maria Baers

date: 14 November 1970

designer: Luc De Decker, Jean de Vos (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of four stamps

8 7 F + 3 F portrait, text "M. BAERS"

green, violet brown

(cat. Michel 1615/OBP 1559/SG 2175/Yvert 1559)

Albert Edouard Janssen

date: 3 December 1977

designer: Paul Deweerdt, Jean de Vos (engraver)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of four stamps

9 5 F + 2,50 F portrait, bank note, text "A.E. JANSSEN 1883-1966"

black

(cat. Michel 1929/OBP 1877/SG 2175/Yvert 1872)

Paul-Henri Spaak

date: 18 March 1978

designer: Mathy Graphic, Jean Malvaux (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: part of a series of four stamps

10 14 F portrait, map of the European Economic Community, text "P.H. SPAAK / Action Européenne

Europese Actie"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 1939/OBP 1887/SG 2523/Yvert 1882)

Frans Van Cauwelaert

date: 23 February 1980

designer: Jean de Vos

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

11 5 F portrait, text "FRANS VAN CAUWELAERT 1880-1961"

black

(cat. Michel 2016/OBP 1965/SG 2585/Yvert 1964)

Jean Monnet

date: 10 September 1988

designer: Jean de Vos

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

12 13 portrait, text "JEAN / MONNET / 1888-1979"

black

(cat. Michel 2345/OBP 2293/SG 2956/Yvert 2295)

Henri La Fontaine

date: 30 September 1999

designer: Johanna Rubin Dranger, Czeslaw Slania (engraver), Group De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remarks: part of a series of two stamps; joint issue with Sweden

13 17 portrait, text "HENRI LA FONTAINE NOBELPRIS I FRED 1913"

red, gold

(cat. Michel 2890/OBP 2838/SG 3509/Yvert 2838)

Marthe Boël

date: 9 March 2009

designer: Nora Theys

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remark: stamp value indicated '1' for inland letters (€ 0,59); part of a series of two stamps; printed in

small sheets of 10 stamps (2 x 5, female emblem, text "DE BELGISCHE VROUWENBEWEGING /

LE MOUVEMENT DES FEMMES BELGES")

14 1 portrait, suffragettes, text "MARTHE / BOËL / (1877-1956)"

multicoloured

(cat. Michel 3928/OBP /SG /Yvert )

The Hague Peace Conference Stamp Catalogue

Auguste Beernaert

date: 30 September 1999

designer: Johanna Rubin Dranger, Czeslaw Slania (engraver), Group De Schutter (cylinders)

printer: Zegeldrukkerij, Mechelen

perforated: 11½

remarks: part of a series of two stamps; joint issue with Sweden

1 21 portrait, text "AUGUSTE BEERNAERT NOBELPRIS I FRED 1909"

blue, gold

(cat. Michel 2891/OBP 2839/SG 3510/Yvert 2839)

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last revised: 19 July 2009