Government supports extending European Disability Card scheme to third-country nationals 

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Publication date 14.12.2023 14.10
Press release

The Government supports the Commission’s proposal to extend the scope of the proposal for a Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities to include third-country nationals who are legally residing in the territory of an EU Member State. Today, the Government submitted a Union communication on the matter to Parliament.

The proposal aims to improve the equality of third-country nationals with disabilities and their possibilities to exercise their right to free movement.

The Government considers it important to adopt EU-level measures to promote the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

Finland’s disability policy is based on fundamental and human rights and on safeguarding these rights. In accordance with the Constitution of Finland and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the basic principles of Finland’s disability policy include the equality and non-discrimination of persons with disabilities, accessibility for persons with disabilities, their right to an independent life and the necessary individual services and support for them.

Inquiries:

Ministerial Adviser Maija Iles, tel. +358 295 163 203, [email protected]
Senior Specialist Tea Hoffrén, tel. +358 2095 163 220, [email protected]