Votes · 20 October 2026
Protection of adults: jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of measures and cooperation
This vote is about protecting vulnerable adults (for instance under guardianship) when their situation involves several countries.
Background
When an adult who can no longer manage their own affairs (for example because of Alzheimer’s disease) lives, owns property or receives care in another EU country, it is often unclear which court and which law apply, and whether decisions taken elsewhere are recognised. This regulation, proposed by the Commission in 2023 and steered through Parliament by Yana Toom (Renew), builds on the 2000 Hague Convention on the protection of adults. Parliament is approving the agreement reached with member states in May 2026.
- Sets out which country has jurisdiction and which law applies to measures protecting an adult (residence, medical care, management of property).
- Provides for automatic recognition across the EU of measures taken in another country, unless the adult was not given a genuine chance to be heard.
- Creates a European certificate, preferably digital, showing who is authorised to represent or support the adult.
Adopted: 531 for, 93 against, 41 abstentions, 55 did not vote.
Reference: A10-0128/2025