European ministers agreed at a meeting in Brussels on Monday to implement a new European card for individuals with disabilities and to enhance the European parking card for disabled persons.
The incoming European Disability Card (EDC) is designed to allow people with disabilities to participate in cultural, sports and leisure activities across the European Union, benefiting from discounted rates.
They will also receive priority access, and potentially even assistance or preferential treatment, at places such as amusement parks, during cultural or sporting events, and on public transport.
According to Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, individuals with disabilities often encounter barriers in other EU Member States due to differences in status recognition. The new card will facilitate free movement across the Union, she said after the meeting.
The European card will apply to short trips (under three months), but Member States can choose to extend the benefits for longer stays. They will issue both physical and digital cards, which may include a QR code to prevent fraud.
Ministers further resolved to enhance the European parking card for disabled persons. This updated, unified card will replace existing parking cards for cross-border travel, and will ensure the same parking rights across the EU, five years after the corresponding directive comes into effect.
Member States are still to negotiate on the directive with the European Parliament, which will decide its position at the beginning of 2024.
