On May 9th 2025, marking Europe Day and the founding of the European Union, the European Disability Forum published a list of nine things the EU does for persons with disabilities. At the end of the year, we summarise what has been achieved and reflect on what more can be done
Thanks to the European Accessibility Act, a range of products and services are being made accessible to persons with disabilities. This is just one of several EU initiatives. For example, the Web Accessibility Directive, adopted in 2016, requires public sector websites and apps to be accessible. The European Commission has also directed standardisation bodies to improve accessibility standards, and the EU established the AccessibleEU Centre to help countries and organisations become more accessible.
Good to know: EU laws set minimum standards, meaning they cannot reduce existing rights — if national laws offer higher protections, those remain.
The European Disability Card
A European Disability Card will be introduced across the EU by 2028 and has already been introduced in Croatia. This card will allow persons with disabilities to access the same conditions and discounts, such as priority access or assistance in transport, in other EU countries as local nationals when travelling for short stays or mobility programs.
EU money supports persons with disabilities
The EU directly funds many programmes and projects that improve quality of life for persons with disabilities — initiatives often overlooked in national budgets. EU funding often encourages member states to spend more on disadvantaged groups.
(Some) protection at work
In 2000, the EU passed a law prohibiting discrimination at work. It protects persons with disabilities from discrimination in employment and training and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations and flexibility to enable persons with disabilities to perform their jobs. While not perfect, this law allows individuals to seek legal or equality body support if discriminated against.
Greater protection when travelling
EU laws strengthen protections when travelling across borders within the EU. Persons with disabilities have rights to support and compensation in many cases, such as travel delays or cancellations. They also have the right to assistance in many modes of transport. Newer laws, such as those concerning train travel, reduce required advance notice for assistance, improve staff training, and strengthen compensation rights.
EU Parking Card
The EU Parking Card for persons with disabilities is being upgraded. It allows holders to park in designated spots across all EU member states without needing a local parking card.
Going to hospitals in another EU country without extra cost
Thanks to the European Health Insurance Card, you can go to a hospital or doctor in another EU member state without extra costs if you fall ill or have an accident. In many cases, you also have certain rights and protections when seeking health care abroad. However, you will pay the same amount as residents of that country, which may differ from what you’d pay at home.
Rights for victims of crime or violence
Under the EU Victims’ Rights Directive, states must ensure that if you are a victim of a crime within the EU, you receive information and support in an accessible format. The EU has also strengthened laws combating violence against women, including accessible helplines and aggravating circumstances for crimes committed against persons with disabilities.
Because together we can fight better
The EU supports organisations and projects that unite the disability movement. For example, the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme funds organisations such as the European Disability Forum, Inclusion Europe, and Autism Europe. These organisations not only advocate for stronger laws and policies, but also enable disability advocates to gather and learn from each other. Funding also supports work in specific areas such as preventing violence and providing support to children with disabilities who are victims of crime.
