The EU’s rules on the recognition and enforcement of protection decisions of vulnerable adults should be put forward by the Commission, the European parliament’s legal affairs committee has urged.
A uniform legal framework would enable vulnerable adults to enjoy proper protection in cross-border situations, it said.
The Committee approach a report on the protection of vulnerable adults by Joëlle Bergeron, the vice-chair of the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy Group, by 20 votes to 0, with two abstentions, calling for EU-wide rules to facilitate the recognition and enforcement of protection decisions of vulnerable adults and enhanced cooperation between EU countries.
The paper notes that all EU member states have their own legal framework and tools for protecting vulnerable adults, which can create legal uncertainties when it comes to cross-border situations.
MEPs stress that this initiative is particularly important, as longer life expectancy has led to an increase in the number of elderly people that may with age-related illnesses potentially become unable to manage their personal affairs.
The full house will vote on the draft proposal in May, which will need to be approved by absolute majority according to the legislative initiative procedure. The Commission must state its reasons if it refuses to follow the parliament’s recommendations.
