The directive aims to make sure that, when travelling for a short period, persons with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and access to reserved parking. Both cards will grant card holders, as well as the persons accompanying them and assistance animals, access to most of the same conditions as national card holders.
European Disability Card
The European Disability Card will be issued in physical format and, when available, in digital format, and will be issued and renewed free of charge. Depending on the country, costs could be charged for loss and damaging the card. Persons with disabilities that need more assistance or support or that are entitled to support by a personal assistant will be able to add the letter “A” to their card.
European Parking Card
The European Parking Card for persons with disabilities will be issued in physical form. EU countries are encouraged to also issue the card in a digital format, and may choose to charge a fee for the administrative costs of issuing and renewing the card.
Both cards will have to be issued within ninety days, except in cases when longer medical checks are required.
Benefits when moving abroad for study programmes
The new rules will only apply for short stays, with an exception for disability card holders that move to another member state for a mobility programme, such as Erasmus+.
Websites
The directive demands EU countries and the Commission raise citizens’ awareness about the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card, including by setting up a central European website. This website will be linked with national websites accessible for persons with disabilities, containing information on how to obtain, use and renew the cards and information on preferential conditions.
Quotes
Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová (Renew, SK), rapporteur, said: “Persons with disabilities have been eagerly awaiting this legislation. The significance of the European Disability Card extends beyond simply facilitating travel; it embodies the EU’s commitment to ensuring free movement for all Europeans. While this legislation marks a notable advancement, our work does not end here. We must continue advocating for equal rights for persons with disabilities within the EU.”
Dragoș Pîslaru (Renew, RO), Chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, said: “Today we have achieved agreement on a milestone piece of legislation that persons with disabilities were expecting for a decade. It will support them to be independent and on equal footing now that the cards will soon become a reality in all EU countries. This will help them considerably when travelling to other member states. I am particularly proud that we support young people by paving the way for Erasmus+ students with disabilities to use the cards during their stay.”
Next steps
The agreed text will now have to be formally adopted by both Parliament and Council to enter into force. The text is expected to be put to a vote during the April plenary session.
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