The European Union (EU) wants to make travelling easier for persons with disabilities. To this end, a new rule will be introduced: all EU countries must recognise the European Disability Card (EDC). This card gives you access to the same special conditions and preferential treatment in every EU country as the persons with disabilities who reside in that country.
But why is this new card necessary? How does it work? And what does it mean for you, as a Belgian EDC cardholder? Below, we explain what the new rules entail and when they will come into force.
Purpose of the directive
What is the purpose of the directive?
This directive makes it easier for persons with disabilities to travel within the EU. All EU countries must mutually recognise the card. Persons with disabilities travelling to an EU country will therefore enjoy the same benefits as persons with disabilities who live in that country.
The benefits that may be offered differ from one public or private service provider to another. They may include free admission, a discount or priority access. It is up to the public or private provider to decide what benefits to offer. Furthermore, service providers are not obliged to grant benefits. However, if they do offer benefits to persons with disabilities, they are obliged to guarantee the same conditions to EDC holders.
Why a standardised European Disability Card?
Many persons with disabilities have found that their national disability certificate is not recognised in other EU countries. Foreign organisations were unable to read or check the documents. The standardised EDC solves this problem. From June 2028, all countries will use the same system.
Please note that these benefits only apply to services, activities and facilities that fall within the scope of the directive. Social security benefits, benefits linked to the payment of premiums or contributions, social assistance, services provided for long-term inclusion, adaptation or rehabilitation, and benefits offered after an individual assessment or after meeting additional criteria do not fall within the scope of the directive. Culture, sport, leisure, tourism, public transport, private transport and training are examples of areas in which the card can be used.
Timetable
The EU is giving Member States 30 months (until 5 June 2027) to transpose the Directive into national law. They then have a further 12 months to implement the law (until 5 June 2028).
Until then, the current EDC rules and application procedures remain valid. Each Member State can determine its own criteria for recognising disability and the conditions for obtaining the card.
What does this mean for you?
For the time being, nothing changes. The current EDC card remains valid until the new law is fully implemented. Citizens do not need to take any action.
Where is the EDC already valid today?
Currently, the EDC is only available in the eight countries that participated in the pilot project: Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Malta, Romania and Slovenia.
In other countries, you cannot currently use the card. All will depend on when each country adopts the legislation. The card must be usable in all EU countries by 5 June 2028 at the latest.
If you want to know if your card is valid at a specific location, such as a museum or amusement park, please contact the relevant organisation in advance.
What about other EU countries?
All other European countries are still in the process of transposing the directive into national legislation. This process is being carried out on a country-by-country basis, with each country proceeding at its own pace. Some countries will be ready before others. However, after 5 June, the card must be recognised throughout the EU.