New EU directive standardizes the disability cards in the European Union

The Council adopted two new directives that will make it easier for persons with disabilities to travel within the EU on 14 October 2024. The directive establishing the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities will ensure equal access to special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities during short stays throughout the EU. Examples include reduced or zero entry fees, priority access, assistance and reserved parking spaces.

Furthermore, ministers have adopted a directive extending these provisions to non-EU citizens who legally reside in EU countries, meaning they can also use these cards during short-term stays in other Member States.

National authorities will be responsible for issuing physical and digital European disability cards in an accessible format. The cards will be recognised throughout the EU as proof of disability or entitlement to specific services based on a disability. The European parking cards for persons with disabilities will be produced in physical format, with Member States having the option to issue them in digital format.

The directives will now be signed by the Council and the European Parliament and will enter into force following publication in the EU’s Official Journal. For both directives, Member States will have two and a half years to adapt their national legislation and three and a half years to apply the measures.