Making the European Disability Card a reality for people with disabilities

Making the European Disability Card a reality for people with disabilities

On February 27, EPR participated in the webinar ‘Making the European Disability Card a Reality’, hosted by the European Disability Forum (EDF). With the EU legislation establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card being approved and adopted in the end of 2024, the webinar addressed several key topics:

Purpose of the Cards

Both the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card aim to enhance the freedom of movement of individuals with disabilities across EU Member States. They ensure that cardholders can access rights and benefits equivalent to those available to persons with disabilities in the countries they visit. It’s important to note that these cards:

• Do not replace national disability cards: They complement existing national cards, which may feature both EU and national elements;
• Are intended for short stays (up to 3 months): For permanent relocation, individuals should apply for the national disability card of the host country after this period (*some exceptions apply, mentioned below);
• Do not cover social security benefits: They focus on facilitating access to services and benefits for persons with disabilities;
• Do not mandate specific advantages: Benefits associated with the cards depend on the offerings of the host country and are not automatically transferable from the cardholder’s home country;
• Do not standardise disability definitions or assessments: Each Member State maintains its own criteria for determining disability status.

Key Features of the EU Law

The new EU legislation introduces several enhancements compared to previous pilot projects:

• Broad applicability: The cards will be valid across all EU Member States and the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway);
• Inclusion of third-country nationals: Non-EU nationals residing in the EU are also eligible for the cards;
• Support for EU mobility programs: Cardholders can use the Disability Card to verify their status when participating in EU mobility programs, such as studying abroad through Erasmus+, even if the duration exceeds 3 months.
• No issuance or renewal fees: Both cards will be provided free of charge, except in cases of loss or damage;
• Privacy protections: The cards will not display specific disability types, safeguarding personal information;
• Extended validity options: Member States have the discretion to offer cards valid for periods longer than 3 months;
• National determination of eligibility: Criteria for who qualifies for the cards will be defined at the national level.

Benefits for Cardholders

The European Disability and Parking Cards provide several advantages:

• Legal recognition: They serve as official proof of disability status across the EU;
• Access to services: Cardholders can enjoy special conditions and preferential treatments, such as free or reduced-price entry to cultural and recreational activities, priority seating on public transport, and access to reserved parking spaces;
• Enforceable rights: The legislation includes mechanisms to address non-compliance, allowing cardholders to file complaints if services are denied.

Accessing Benefits Information

To assist cardholders in understanding the conditions of the European Disability Card, Member States are required to establish national websites with information. However, the depth of information provided may vary, as there are no standardised requirements. The European Disability Forum (EDF) advocated for a comprehensive EU-wide database of benefits, but this was not included in the final legislation. Therefore, it’s crucial for national organisations to engage in advocacy to ensure that their countries’ websites offer thorough and accessible information on the included benefits.

Next Steps for Implementation

The EU law is a Directive, meaning that Member States must transpose it into national legislation. This process may involve creating new laws or amending existing ones related to accessibility and social benefits. Member States have until June 5, 2028, to fully implement the Directive and begin issuing the cards.

At the national level, the following actions should follow:

• Designate responsible authorities: Identify government bodies, typically Ministries of Social Affairs or equivalent, to oversee implementation;
• Initiate legislative processes: Develop and pass the necessary laws and regulations to support the cards’ issuance and use;
• Consult disability organisations: Ensure that organisations representing people with disabilities are actively involved in shaping national legislation and policies.

Recommendations for National Advocacy

To maximise the effectiveness of the European Disability and Parking Cards, national disability organisations are encouraged to advocate for the following:

• Extended validity periods: Encourage Member States to utilise the option to make the cards valid for longer than 3 months;
• Minimisation of exceptions: Advocate against the use of exceptions or additional assessments that could limit cardholders’ benefits;
• Comprehensive benefits: Push for a wide range of advantages and accessible services for cardholders, drawing inspiration from best practices in other countries.
• Adequate funding: Ensure that sufficient resources are allocated for the implementation and promotion of the cards, including the development of user-friendly national websites.
• Clear information: Demand that national websites provide detailed, accessible, and regularly updated information about available benefits;
• Private sector involvement: Encourage private companies to offer benefits to cardholders and to provide clear information about these benefits;
• Strong national authorities: Support the establishment of competent authorities responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the cards.

The EDF will soon share a tool kit for advocating on a national level, which we will also share with our audience – stay tuned!