The European Disability Forum (EDF) has been honoured with the Carlos V European Award. The jury of the 15th edition, granted by the European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation, has decided to award the prize to EDF in recognition of its role to favour of:
a more humane Europe that focuses on the well-being of its citizens, providing strong legal frameworks to defend inclusion, accessibility, freedom of movement, independent life, dignity, non-discrimination, active and effective participation in society, respect for difference as part of human diversity and other fundamental rights and freedoms.
Since 1995, Yuste Foundation awards the Carlos V European Award in order to reward the work of individuals, initiatives, institutions, and projects that have stood out due to their commitment to the European Union or because of their contribution to enhancing Europe’s cultural, scientific or historical values.
In this regard, EDF has been involved in Europe’s future for 25 years. From the European parking car to recent European legislation on accessibility, or rail passengers’ rights, and the support of the European structural and investment funds to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, the EU is increasingly closer to the everyday life of persons with disabilities, and this recognition should encourage us all to keep working for a stronger and more social Europe.
The organisation continues to advocate for the interests of more than 100 million persons with disabilities in Europe and to bring together representative organisations of persons with disabilities across the continent.
The ceremony will take place on the 11th of May, where EDF’s President Yannis Vardakastanis will receive this distinguished award at the Royal Monastery of Yuste (Extremadura, Spain) in an event presided over by His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, along with regional, national and international personalities.
EDF President, Yannis Vardakastanis after knowing about this award, said:
It is an honour to receive this distinguished award on behalf of the European Disability Forum. This is a recognition of the deep commitment of the European disability movement to the project of the European Union, and of the 25 years of EDF proving that together we can build a more inclusive and equal Europe for 100 million persons with disabilities.