The European Parliament voted by 631 votes to 7 with 11 abstentions, at its plenary session on Wednesday 24 April, in favour of the Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities (see EUROPE 13346/12).
Their extension to third-country nationals legally residing in the EU (see EUROPE 13363/18), including asylum seekers, stateless persons and their personal assistants, regardless of their nationality, was also approved.
The provisional political agreements, signed on 8 February and 4 March respectively, aim to make it easier for disabled persons to get around, by offering them preferential conditions such as discounts, exemption from certain charges, priority access and dedicated parking spaces.
The eligibility criteria for third-country nationals, defined by the second directive, require legal residence and recognition of disability status by a Member State, as well as the right to travel within the EU.
To read the texts adopted: https://aeur.eu/f/bxk (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)