How do the EU's new disability cards facilitate cross-border travel?

The European Union is introducing a new EU-wide Disability Card and an updated EU Parking Card for people with disabilities. This aims to solve issues for people with disabilities who travel within the EU by enabling them to prove their disability status anywhere across the EU. Currently, eight EU countries have been piloting the European Disability Card since 2016.

The new rules will apply for short stays of up to three months, with an exception for disability card holders who move to another Member State for a mobility programme. Member States will have 30 months to adapt and another 12 months to formally implement the new rules.

Both cards will replace national cards currently issued by local authorities. Cardholders who travel to other EU countries will have access to discounts on local transport, assistance on trains and other public transport, reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and reserved parking. The new rules will also cover accompanying care support personnel or care support animals.