Agreement reached on improving access to free movement in the EU for people with disabilities.
Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said that he is hopeful that making free movement of people finally a reality for people with disability in the EU is a step closer after a vote today at a European Parliament Committee.
Kelleher was speaking after the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) voted to enter into inter-institutional negotiations on the directive on the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for people with disabilities.
“This is about ensuring equal treatment for people with disabilities and in supporting their freedom of movement and personal autonomy across 27 Member States of the Union
“Fundamentally, it aims to guarantee that people with disabilities can access the same special conditions or preferential treatment for services, public transport and other facilities as their local counterparts, when visiting another Member State.
“This long awaited for piece of legislation will not only simplify travel but also transform the commitment to free movement for all Europeans, outlined in the EU treaties, into a tangible reality. It is high time to ensure that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can move freely within the EU.
“I am hopeful that agreement will be reached between the European Parliament and European Council within the next number of months, and that this proposal will become law in 2025,” concluded Kelleher.
