The European Disability Card and the European Parking Card Go Digital

The European Disability Card and the European Parking Card Go Digital

The European Disability Card (EDC) and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities (EPC) (to be set up in compliance with Directive 2024/2841), in force since 4 December 2024, are two new cards for persons with disabilities to promote their freedom of movement and facilitate short stays in a Member State other than that of which they are a resident. In particular, the cards grant them access to any special conditions or preferential treatment with respect to services, activities, and facilities, including parking conditions and facilities, offered to or reserved for persons with disabilities in the visited Member State, including those making use of assistance animals, and, where applicable, persons accompanying or assisting them.

In addition to the traditional physical versions of the cards, the Directive mandates the creation of digital versions of the two cards, with the digital version of the parking card remaining optional for Member States. The Directive also foresees digital features in the physical versions of both cards, such as a printed QR code.

On 8 May, EPR attended a meeting organised by the European Commission (EC) on the digital implementation of the European Disability Card and European Parking Card. The main objective of the meeting was to discuss both the digital versions of the cards and the digital features in the physical versions of both cards, since the Commission will need to publish secondary legislation – legislation that allows to clarify concepts or supports the implementation of a piece of legislation – on Directive 2024/2841:

• By 5 December 2025 the Commission has to adopt a delegated act to set the digital features for the physical versions of both cards (Articles 7 and 8). 
• In addition, the Commission is to adopt an implementing act, expected within approximately 12-18 months after the entry into force of the Directive, to set accessible digital versions of the cards and establish technical specifications for different purposes (Article 9).

More information on the European Disability Card and European parking Card available here.