15/03/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 15 March, the ambassadors of the Member States to the European Union (Coreper I) confirmed the provisional political agreement reached with the European Parliament to extend the directive on European Disability Cards and parking cards for people with disabilities (see EUROPE 13352/22) to third-country nationals legally resident in the EU, including asylum seekers, stateless persons and their personal assistants, regardless of their nationality. This agreement, signed on 4 March (see EUROPE 13363/18), aims to make it easier for disabled people to travel on short journeys within the EU, by offering them preferential conditions such as discounts, exemption from certain charges, priority access and dedicated parking spaces. The eligibility criteria require legal residence and recognition of disability status by a Member State, as well as the right to travel within the EU. (NP)