PURPOSE: to strengthen the exercise of the free movement rights of persons with disabilities, and enhance the possibilities for persons with disabilities to travel to or visit another Member State, and thereby fight against discrimination against them.
LEGISLATIVE ACT: Directive (EU) 2024/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities.
CONTENT: the directive lays down:
- the rules governing the issuance of the European Disability Card to persons with disabilities as proof of a disability status or proof of entitlement to specific services based on a disability;
- the rules governing the issuance of the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities as proof of the right to parking conditions and facilities reserved for persons with disabilities;
- common templates for the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities.
The directive aims to ensure equal access to special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities and person(s) accompanying or assisting them, during short stays throughout the EU. Examples include reduced or zero entry fees, priority access, assistance, and reserved parking spaces.
Each Member State will introduce the physical version of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card following the common standardised and accessible format set out in Annex I and II. Member States will include in the physical version of the card a QR code and any other digital features that use electronic means to prevent and combat fraud.
The European Disability Card will be issued or renewed by the Member State of residence directly or upon application by the person with disabilities or by an authorised person, under national law. Member States may decide to charge a fee for the costs relating to the reissuance of the European Disability Card in the event of loss or damage. Member States may issue and renew the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities free of charge or charge a fee for the costs relating to its issuance and renewal.
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 also issue them in digital format.
Persons with disabilities will have the possibility to request either the physical or the digital version of the European Disability Card or both. In Member States where the physical version of the card is complemented by a digital version, persons with disabilities may request the card in the physical version, and if they so wish, in both the physical and the digital versions.
The validity of the European Disability Card will be determined by the issuing Member State. Member States will ensure that the European Disability Card has the longest possible validity taking into account.
Member States will:
- make the conditions, rules, practice and procedures for issuing, renewing and withdrawing a European Disability Card and a European Parking Card for persons with disabilities publicly available in accessible formats, including in digital and easy-to-read formats;
- take appropriate measures to raise awareness among the public and inform persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, including in accessible ways, about the existence and conditions for obtaining, using or renewing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities. The Commission will undertake a European awareness-raising campaign in cooperation with the Member States.
Each Member State will establish a national website containing general information regarding the objective and the use of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 4.12.2024.
TRANSPOSITION: from 5.6.2027.
APPLICATION: from 5.6.2028.