European Parliament approves cross-border disability and parking cards

The European Parliament on Wednesday almost unanimously approved the introduction of a European disability card and an improved European parking card for people with disabilities.

When travelling in another European member state, card holders will be able to access almost all the facilities available to national disability card holders, such as free or priority access and reserved parking spaces. This includes their companions and assistance animals. However, the new rules only apply to short stays abroad.

Physical and digital

The European card for people with disabilities will be available in physical and, where possible, digital format. The card will be issued free of charge and renewed free of charge.

The disabled parking card will also be issued in physical format. However, EU countries are encouraged to issue the card in digital format and are allowed to charge administrative fees for the application process.

Both cards should be issued within 90 days of application, unless longer medical checks are required.

Belgian pilot project

The new rules were approved by 613 MEPs, with seven votes in favour and 11 abstentions. It is now up to the Council (member states) to formally approve the text.

Belgium has already been participating in a European pilot project since 2017, along with Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Malta, Slovenia and Romania. This system will now be extended to the whole EU.

The vote took place during the last plenary session of the European Parliament's current legislature. MEPs also approved a law making large companies responsible for respecting the environment and human rights, as well as a directive to give couriers and Uber drivers better working conditions.

^{© BELGA PHOTO JONAS HAMERS}