The European Citizen's Prize recognises work on promoting European unity and the spirit of solidarity and understanding. It has been awarded since 2008 and in Croatia since 2014.
Addressing the ceremony by video, European Parliament Vice-President Ewa Kopacz said it is necessary to ensure a life without barriers and discrimination for persons with disabilities so that they can enjoy equal rights like other citizens.
Maja Ljubić Kutnjak, head of the European Parliament Office in Croatia, said that the Vukovar Butterflies association has made a considerable contribution to the equality and inclusion of disabled children in all areas of social life.
The association's president, Viktorija Martin, said that thanks to the association's work children with disabilities in Vukovar have access to rehabilitation programmes that do not exist within the social care system.
"We are trying to ensure high-quality equipment, sophisticated devices and trained staff," she said, adding that the Vukovar Butterflies association is currently caring for 245 disabled children.