Commission proposes European Disability and Parking Card valid in all Member States

The European Commission has proposed the introduction of a European Disability Card as well as the enhancement of the current European Parking Card for persons with disabilities. Both cards will be recognised all across the European Union (EU) and make it easier for persons with disabilities to travel across the European Union.

A statement published by the Commission on its website on 6th September, 2023, disclosed that the Commission’s proposal introduced a standardised European Disability Card and enhances the current European Parking Card for persons with disabilities.

Both cards will facilitate persons with disabilities to access right to free movement, by making sure they can, on an equal basis, access special conditions, preferential treatment, and parking rights when visiting another Member State.

When people’s disability status is not recognised abroad, they cannot access the special conditions and preferential treatment, such as free and/or priority access, reduced fees or personal assistance, while visiting other Member States.

To address this issue, the Commission proposes the creation of a standardised European Disability Card.

The European Disability Card will serve as recognised proof of disability throughout the EU, granting equal access to special conditions and preferential treatment in public and private services, including for instance:

• transport
• cultural events
• museums
• leisure and sport centres or amusement parks

It will be issued by the national competent authorities and complement existing national cards or certificates.

The Commission’s proposal will now be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council. The proposal foresees that once adopted, Member States will have 18 months to incorporate the provisions of the Directive into national law.

The proposed Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities was announced in the EU Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030.

The proposal contributes to the implementation by the EU of the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, to which the EU and all its Member States are party (UNCRPD).