Council of EU streamline policy for better protection of whistle-blowers

BRUSSELS, Belgium – The European Union member states ambassadors confirmed today the agreement reached on Monday 11 March by the Romanian presidency and parliament negotiators on the directive on the protection of whistle-blowers.

According to the EU, the new rules will require the creation of safe channels for reporting both within an organisation -private or public – and to public authorities. It will also give a high level of protection to whistleblowers against retaliation, and require national authorities to adequately inform citizens and train public officials on how to deal with whistleblowing.

“Whistleblowers are important for a well functioning democratic system based on the rule of law. That is why we need to provide them with a high level of protection across the Union. We should not expect anyone to risk their reputation or job for exposing illegal behaviour.” Tudorel Toader, Romanian Minister for Justice said.

The main elements of the compromise shows that whistle-blowers will be strongly encouraged to use first internal channels within their organisation before calling on external ones set up by public authorities.

This will contribute to the development of a healthy corporate culture in companies of over 50 employees or municipalities of more than 10 000 inhabitants, where there will be an obligation to create effective and efficient reporting channels.  “In any event, whistle-blowers will not loose their protection in case they decide to turn directly to external channels”, the EU said.

Persons protected include a large number of profiles who could acquire information on breaches in a work-related context. e.g. workers, including civil servants at national/local level, volunteers and trainees, non executive members, shareholders, etc.

The policy  covers areas such as public procurement, financial services, prevention of money laundering, public health, etc.