The European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation held this Wednesday at the Royal Monastery of Yuste (Extremadura, Spain) the award ceremony for the 15th Carlos V European Award. EDF’s President Yannis Vardakastanis received this distinguished award in an event presided over by His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, along with regional, national and international personalities.
During the ceremony, Yannis Vardakastanis expressed his warmest gratitude for the recognition. Vardakastanis said that persons with disabilities are “fully committed” to the European Union project and want to participate in solving its future challenges. He emphasized that “the digital and green transitions, as well as the institutional reforms stemming from the Conference on the Future of Europe, must put people and Europe’s diversity at the center to create a more social, resilient and inclusive Europe where we can all enjoy the same rights and opportunities on equal terms.
Vardakastanis pointed out that “persons with disabilities, after too many years of discrimination, segregation, and even persecution and violence” have found in the fundamental values of the EU, “the possibility of shaping a continent that embraces human diversity and in which we can grow and participate on an equal footing with others.
King Felipe VI of Spain acknowledged the work and commitment of the European Disability Forum to the European integration process, based on the premise of “an inclusive and accessible Europe for all”.
About the European Charles V Award
The European Charles V Award recognizes the promotion of a more inclusive, fair and egalitarian Europe, while contributing to the European integration process through the defense of the values of the European Union under conditions of equality and solidarity without discrimination.
Yuste Foundation Press Release
Full video of the ceremony
https://youtu.be/QXYeEIR_nkQ?t=6302
Photo credit: ©Fundación Yuste-Jero Morales