The European Parliament has adopted its mandate for negotiations with the Council on the subject of the EU Disability Card and the Parking Card for persons with disabilities. Parliament’s mandate, prepared by the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL), introduces deadlines for issuing and renewing the cards – within 60 days for the EU disability card and within 30 days for the parking card. It also includes an option to request a digital version of the parking card, to be ready within 15 days. MEPs have also proposed that both cards should be available in physical and digital format and free of charge.
To ensure access to benefits and social assistance for those working or studying in another member state, MEPs amended the proposal to temporarily protect European Disability Card holders that move to another member state for work or study, until their status is formally recognised. The Parliament’s position also calls for Member States and the European Commission to raise citizens’ awareness about both Cards, including by setting up a website with information on how to obtain, use and renew the cards. Negotiations with Council will begin at the end of January, with Member States having previously agreed their position in December 2023. Further information on the Cards and Parliament’s negotiating position is available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240112IPR16765/parliament-ready-for-talks-on-an-eu-wide-disability-card
