The Ombudsman opened an own-initiative inquiry to look into how the European Commission monitors that European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds are used to promote the right of persons with disabilities and older persons to independent living. As a signatory of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), the EU is committed to promoting the right to independent living and ending institutional care (deinstitutionalisation), and the ESI funds should contribute towards this.

As a first step in the inquiry, the Ombudsman asked the Commission to reply to a series of questions. The Ombudsman then carried out a targeted consultation of stakeholders.