The European Ombudsman has published the findings of its own initiative inquiry, recommending that the European Commission implement measures to improve how it monitors whether EU Structural and Investment Funds (ESI) are being used to promote the right of persons with disabilities and elderly people to independent living. Rules governing the ESI funds state that they should be implemented in a way that promotes the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care. During the own-initiative inquiry, 18 ombudsmen from around Europe as well as civil society organisations provided input and expertise. The proposed measures include providing clearer guidance both to Member States and Commission staff on the need to promote deinstitutionalisation, as well as the need to set out indicators defining the process of deinstitutionalisation. The findings also recommended that the Commission encourage Member States to make it easier for organisations representing persons with disabilities to participate in monitoring committees, and that it should pursue enforcement of the rules more proactively. The Ombudsman urged the Commission to also carefully monitor how funds from the Recovery and Resilience are spent in relation to persons with disabilities and older people. The full findings can be read at: https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/news-document/en/155398
