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

The 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 EU and make it easier for persons with disabilities to travel across the European Union.

The Commission’s proposal introduces 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.

A European Disability Card

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

 

Ensuring accessibility of the cards

To promote ease of use and reduce administrative burden, the proposed Directive will require Member States to:

• Provide the cards in both physical and digital versions.
• Make conditions and rules for issuing or withdrawing the cards publicly available in accessible formats.
• Ensure service providers offer information on special conditions and preferential treatment for persons with disabilities in accessible formats.

To guarantee compliance, Member States must ensure persons with disabilities, their representative organisations and relevant public bodies can take action under national law if needed.

After adoption of the Directive into national law, Member States are asked to impose fines and corrective measures in case of violations.

Next steps

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.

 

More information: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=89&newsId=10652&furtherNews=yes