This is the twelfth of a series of interviews with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In this interview, we spoke with MEP Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová about the legislative process of the new European Disability Card and Parking Card proposal. We also discussed the European Elections and the rights of persons with disabilities for the upcoming mandate, and the protection of persons with disabilities in the context of armed conflicts.
Free movement: more of a theoretical concept than a daily reality
Question: As the designated rapporteur for the proposed Directive establishing the European Disability Card and Parking Card, could you outline the key objectives of this critical legislation aimed at benefiting persons with disabilities?
Answer: While people in the European Union (EU) are increasingly mobile and enjoy the right to move freely within the EU and access services in all Member States, the reality for people with disabilities still presents challenges that make their free movement more of a theoretical concept than a daily reality. This is primarily because their national Disability Cards or certificates are not automatically recognised when they attempt to access services during short trips to other Member States under the same preferential conditions as local residents with disabilities.
In some cases, this lack of recognition can result in indirect discrimination based on nationality or, at the very least, creates uncertainty about whether an individual can use their disability card or certificate to access services.
Likewise, the European Parking Card is a crucial tool for many people with disabilities, as private car transport often represents the best or only means for them to move around independently. Access to parking facilities reserved for individuals with disabilities is, therefore, of paramount importance.
To address these issues, the goal of this legislation is to ensure the mutual recognition of disability cards for the purpose of accessing services when people with disabilities travel to or visit another Member State. Additionally, it aims to streamline the use of the EU Parking Card and provide legal certainty regarding its utilisation.
Closing legislative gaps on social security for the upcoming parliamentary mandate
Question: With the European Parliament elections on the horizon, what do you believe should be the primary proposals concerning the rights of persons with disabilities for the upcoming mandate?
Answer: For the upcoming parliamentary mandate, I would like to see Parliament continue to work on closing any legislative gaps, particularly when it comes to the coordination of social security systems. We have to be further committed to finalising negotiations on the revision of the coordination of the social systems in the EU as a missing link between real labour mobility and effective protection of the social security rights of mobile citizens within the Union. The portability of social rights and entitlements without administrative burdens or outdated procedures is essential to the promotion of the free movement of workers and a well-functioning single market. This also fundamentally concerns people with disabilities who, when they move permanently to another Member State to work or study, still face shortcomings in the provision of vital services such as personal assistance, adapted housing, the provision of reasonable adjustments, assistive devices, etc., which are essential to their health and well-being.
But first, we need the legislation to enter into force as soon as possible according to which once persons with disabilities get the European Disabilities Card there is no longer a question of recognising their disability status and the consequent difficulties in accessing special conditions or preferential treatment, particularly as regards transport offered or granted in the Member State they visit.
Ukraine reconstruction: involving individuals with disabilities and their representative organisations in the decision-making and policy development processes
Question: In the context of armed conflicts, individuals with disabilities are significantly impacted and often overlooked. How can the EU take measures to ensure the protection of Ukrainians with disabilities, both those who have fled the country and those who remain in Ukraine?
Answer: The Committees of the European Parliament recently voted on a Commission proposal aimed at supporting short-term recovery efforts. It’s important to note that the situation of individuals with special needs during conflicts is often overlooked, as you have rightfully done. Those who can escape conflict zones do so, but those who cannot remain trapped. This was the situation we witnessed at the beginning of the conflict.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that individuals with disabilities and their representative organisations are actively involved in the decision-making and policy development processes related to the reconstruction of Ukraine. The country now has an opportunity to incorporate the needs of people with disabilities into the planning of new facilities. We must not forget to address their healthcare requirements, including a focus on mental health and trauma care systems. The same mode – inclusion – has to be used for people with disabilities who are looking for a refuge outside Ukraine.
Ukraine faces a significant challenge in strengthening its social care systems. I sincerely hope that the principle of “building back better,” as articulated in this proposed law, will be put into practice and that the allocated funds will be used effectively to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Photo credit banner: © European Union 2023 – Source: EP / Fred MARVAUX.