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European Disability Card law adopted by EU Council

On Monday 14 October, the EU Council adopted two directives establishing the European parking card for persons with disabilities and the European Disability Card, facilitating travel and short stays throughout the European Union for persons with disabilities.

Autism-Europe welcomes this important step before the implementation of the cards at national level for which we have been advocating for a long time. The approval means that the text of the directives can be published in the EU’s Official Journal. For both directives, member states will have two and a half years to adapt their national legislation and three and a half years to apply the measures.

National authorities will be responsible for issuing physical and digital European disability cards in an accessible format. The cards will be recognised throughout the EU as proof of disability or entitlement to specific services based on a disability. The cards will ensure equal access to special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities during short stays throughout the EU. 

“Having a Disability Card recognised everywhere across the EU is a great support to freedom of movement. It makes it so much easier to prove our invisible disability without having to explain.” – Member of Autism-Europe

As we mentioned in April 2024, a swift and widespread transposition of the cards is crucial: the key benefits for autistic people and other people with invisible disabilities are undeniable. We strongly underline the importance of this landmark moment and look forward to the cards’ implementation across the EU. 

Alongside, the European Disability Forum, we will now support an ambitious implementation at national level, in particular to minimise exception to the scope of the cards, and continue advocating for all autistic people to be eligible for disability status in their respective countries, so that they can access the European Disability Card.