Politics
Persons with disabilities set to benefit from new laws on parking cards
European disability card and European parking card for persons with disabilities: Council adopts new directives
The Council has adopted two new directives that will make it easier for persons with disabilities to travel within the EU.
The directive establishing the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities will ensure equal access to special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities during short stays throughout the EU. Examples include reduced or zero entry fees, priority access, assistance, and reserved parking spaces.
Furthermore, ministers have adopted a directive extending these provisions to non-EU citizens who legally reside in EU countries, meaning they will also be able to use these cards during short-term stays in other member states.
National authorities will be responsible for issuing physical and digital European disability cards in an accessible format. The cards will be recognised throughout the EU as proof of disability or entitlement to specific services based on a disability. The European parking cards for persons with disabilities will be produced in physical format, with member states having the option to also issue them in digital format.
Next steps
The directives will now be signed by both the Council and the European Parliament and will enter into force following publication in the EU’s Official Journal. For both directives, member states will have two and a half years to adapt their national legislation and three and a half years to apply the measures.
Background
The Commission published a proposal for a directive establishing a European disability card and a European parking card for persons with disabilities in September 2023. The Council reached an agreement with the European Parliament on 8 February 2024.
The Commission’s proposal for a directive extending the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities to non-EU citizens legally residing in EU member states was published in October 2023. The Council and the Parliament reached an agreement on 4 March 2024.
Politics
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Politics
Von der Leyen Charts Strategic Path for Europe’s Future at Budapest EPC Meeting
European Commission President emphasizes transatlantic ties, economic resilience, and defense preparedness as EU leaders focus on competitive, sustainable, and secure Europe
At the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Budapest, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined a strategic vision for Europe’s future, emphasizing transatlantic relations, economic resilience, and defense preparedness.
Von der Leyen began by congratulating Donald J. Trump on his recent electoral victory, expressing eagerness to strengthen the transatlantic bond. This gesture underscores the EU‘s commitment to robust relations with the United States, a key ally in addressing global challenges.
The President highlighted Europe‘s unity in overcoming recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy challenges stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine. She stressed the importance of continued collaboration to navigate future challenges.
Central to her address were three strategic priorities:
- Joint Plan for Competitiveness, Digitalization, and Decarbonization: Von der Leyen referenced the Draghi Report, authored by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, which calls for substantial EU investments to enhance competitiveness and address climate goals. The report recommends annual investments of €750 billion to €800 billion to keep pace with global competitors like the U.S. and China. Euronews
- Reducing Overdependencies and Leveling the Economic Playing Field: The President emphasized the need to mitigate Europe‘s reliance on external entities, fostering a more balanced economic environment. This aligns with Draghi’s recommendations for a comprehensive industrial strategy to prevent the EU from lagging behind global competitors. Financial Times
- Enhancing Defense Capabilities and Preparedness: Drawing on the Niinistö Report by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, von der Leyen advocated for bolstering Europe’s defense mechanisms. The report suggests that the EU allocate 20% of its budget to security and crisis preparedness, addressing geopolitical tensions and climate change risks. Financial Times
Von der Leyen’s address reflects a proactive approach to Europe’s future, building on expert insights to navigate complex global dynamics. Her call to action underscores the EU’s commitment to unity and strategic planning in the face of evolving challenges.
Politics
Cross-border crime: criminal cases can now be transferred to another EU country
DISCLAIMER OPINIONS: The opinions of the authors or reproduced in the articles are the ones of those stating them and it is their own responsibility. Should you find any incorrections you can always contact the newsdesk to seek a correction or right of replay.
DISCLAIMER TRANSLATIONS: All articles in this site are published in English. The translated versions are done through an automated process known as neural translations. If in doubt, always refer to the original article. Thank you for understanding.
DISCLAIMER PHOTOS: We mostly used photos images that are readily available online, from free sources, or from the people promoting the news. If by any chance it happens that we have used one of your copyrighted photos, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will take it down without question. We do not make profits as this is a not for profit project to give voice to the voiceless while giving them a platform to be informed also of general news, and it is completely free.
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