The award was bestowed on Gavran by former Austrian Vice-Chancellor and the chairman of the Dr. Alois Mock-Europa-Stiftung foundation, Michael Spindelegger, who commended Gavran as a marvellous man of letters who fostered European values.
"His works are imbued with tolerance and optimism about future," Spindelegger said.
At the ceremony, Gavran said that he was extremely happy to be among great Europeans-recipients of this award.
He recalled a great role of distinguished Austrian politician and foreign minister Alois Mock "who strongly supported Croatia on the journey towards its independence."
He said that the award was also the confirmation of friendship between Austria and Croatia.
The award called "Dr. Alois Mock-Europa-Preis" was established in 2002 and since then it has been conferred to politicians, artists, writers and journalists who promote European unity and value in their activities and public appearances. Some of the recipients so far have been former Austrian foreign minister and EU Commissioner Dr. Benitta Ferrero Waldner, as well as politicians Otto von Habsburg, Hans Dietrich Genscher, Karl Schwarzenberg, and Jose Manuel Barroso.
Gavran's works have been translated into 38 languages, and this 56-year old novelist, playwright and stage director has so far won a score of theatre and literary awards.
Gavran is one of the most prolific and frequently performed writers.