Equal access during short visits
The Council listed reduced admission charges, priority access, assistance and reserved parking among the arrangements covered. A second directive extended the scheme to non-EU citizens legally resident in EU countries. National authorities would issue the cards, with the disability card available in both physical and digital forms. [1]
EDF asks countries to move quickly
European Disability Forum president Yannis Vardakastanis welcomed the agreement and urged countries to issue and accept the cards promptly. EDF called for dedicated implementation funding, fewer exclusions and national measures going beyond the minimum requirements. It also wanted the card to help people obtain temporary access to disability support when moving across borders.
National laws and practical systems still to follow
In a 4 June 2026 update, EDF highlighted two deadlines: national legislation by 5 June 2027 and functioning, accepted cards by 5 June 2028. It said it was not then aware of a member state having published a draft law. The update put attention on the national decisions and distribution systems needed to turn the EU agreement into usable cards. [3]