The European Union has agreed on a directive to establish a European Disability Card and an improved European Parking Card for people with disabilities.
The goal is to ensure equal access to special conditions and preferential treatment during short-term travel between EU countries.
The directive, agreed to by the Council of the EU on November 27, aims to facilitate free movement for the over 30 million people in the EU estimated to have a recognized disability.
It builds on an existing EU disability card pilot project in eight countries as well as the current European parking card.
New Cards to Provide Proof of Disability Status
A key function of the new cards will be to serve as proof of disability status valid in all 27 EU member states.
People with disabilities have often found their national disability cards or certificates are not recognized when visiting other countries.
The European Disability Card will allow people to access the same special conditions and preferential treatment as residents in the EU country they are visiting for stays up to three months.
This includes reduced or zero entry fees, priority access, assistance services, and more at cultural, leisure, sports, beach, and transportation facilities.
The improved European Parking Card will ensure access to reserved parking spaces, special parking rates, and other privileges in any EU country.
Easing Travel for EU Visitors and Immigrants
The cards stand to benefit EU citizens with disabilities who are visiting or residing in another member state for work, study, or other purposes.
The ability to easily prove one’s disability status will smooth travel for short-term visitors on holiday or business trips.
The cards can also help new immigrants access needed services and discounts as they get established in their new country of residence.
For digital nomads, remote workers, students studying abroad, or families relocated internationally, having EU-recognized proof of disability will be invaluable for accessing accommodations to which they are entitled. This can ease the transition to living long-term in another member state.
The cards may also prove useful for non-EU immigrants with disabilities who hold residence permits or long-term visas. However, eligibility criteria will be set individually by each member state.
The introduction of these cards also aligns with other EU initiatives around freedom of movement, such as the upcoming launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025.
The ETIAS will require pre-travel screening for visitors from over 60 countries traveling to the Schengen area without a visa.
Ensuring people with disabilities can easily access needed benefits and services will be crucial for the EU’s goal of remaining open and welcoming to travelers from around the globe.
Advancing Inclusion and EU Immigration Policy
The directive supports broader EU efforts to build a more accessible and inclusive society across Europe.
Guaranteeing the rights of disabled travelers is an important step in this direction.
It also aligns with general EU policies meant to enable freedom of movement between member states.
Creating standardized disability identification will help fulfill goals like worker mobility, student exchange programs, and tourism across borders.
Next Steps Toward Implementation
Now that the Council has put forward its agreed text, negotiations with the European Parliament are expected to commence in early 2024 once Parliament votes on its own mandate.
If passed, member states will have five years to fully replace current parking cards with the new EU-wide version.
Both physical and digital formats of the disability and parking cards will become available on a common timeline to be determined.
Towards a More Accessible Europe
The European Disability Card and updated European Parking Card represent meaningful progress in protecting the rights of disabled EU residents and visitors alike.
By facilitating travel between countries, they promise to help achieve vision of a Europe without barriers.