When the whistle for the kick-off of the UEFA EURO 2008™, the largest sporting event ever taking place in Austria, is blown on 7 June 2008, the 16 participating football teams have ultimately only one goal -- namely to become European Champion.

 

After the final on 29 June 2008 in Vienna, the winning team will receive the coveted Henri Delaunay Cup (named after the former UEFA Secretary General).

 

This valuable trophy made of sterling silver weighs 8 kg and is 60 cm high, with the names of the European Champions engraved on the back.

Almost as valuable as the UEFA cup itself is the new commemorative block that represents the crowning philatelic conclusion to the themed football stamps this year.

 

The stamp shows the Cup against a blue background, and is decorated with four particularly large original Swarovski crystals. The cooperation with the Swarovski company from Wattens in Tyrol, the world's market leader in the production of synthetic glass gemstones, has been proving its value since the issue of the now legendary Crystal Worlds book of stamps in 2004.

 

The fixing of the gems to the present commemoratives again requires maximum precision. A complex week-long production process produces a uniquely refined stamp.