EU Disability Cards - citizens working and studying in another member state must be granted temporary extension of social assistance benefits

​​Extending the scope of the European disability card to cover transitional periods spent by people with disabilities in another EU member state to work or study is one of the main demands of the opinion drafted by Marko Vešligaj (HR/PES), mayor of Pregrada, adopted during the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) plenary session on 31 January. CoR members also called for a full recognition of the role of local and regional authorities in setting up and managing the cards and for adequate EU financial support. 

The European Committee of the Regions has backed the European Commission's proposal to establish a European Disability Card and a European Parking Card for people with disabilities. The cards would provide people with disabilities with a portable document confirming their status and assuring their access to the same range of benefits and services available for nationals when they visit another member state. 

Regional and local leaders want the scope of the European Disability Card to be extended to provide temporary specific benefits and social assistance during the re-assessment period faced by persons with disabilities relocating to another EU country to work or study. This is crucial to ensure continuity of support until disability status is formally recognised in the new member state. 

Cities and regions will play a critical role in implementing the proposed directive. They manage parking spaces designated for people with disabilities, ensure their privileged access to public services, and inform public and private-service providers of the rights of cardholders. The effective delivery of these services will require adequate funding, including for the development of digital tools to manage the cards and to improve access to information about the cards. 

Finally, the CoR calls for a standardised 60 day renewal period for both the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card, with the cards to be provided free of charge, in both physical and electronic form. The European Commission's proposal aligns the renewal period with national legislation.  

Quote: 

The rapporteur, Marko Vešligaj (HR/PES), mayor of Pregrada, said: "Facilitating seamless mobility throughout Europe for all citizens, irrespective of their abilities, stands as a fundamental pillar in the construction of a more socially equitable and inclusive European Union. It is imperative that we harmonize procedures and guarantee provisional access to social assistance for individuals with disabilities during these transitional phases, underscoring our commitment to fostering a politically and socially progressive Europe." 

More Information: 

In early September 2023, the European Commission published a legislative Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities.   

According to European Council figures, in 2022, 27% of the EU population over the age of 16 had some form of disability. 

Interview with the rapporteur, Marko Vešligaj, for CoR Young Elected Politician Programme. 

​Contact: 

Ângela Machado 

Tel: +32 475 41 31 58 

Angela.machado@cor.europa.eu ​​