Whistleblower protection gains attention from the EU Commission
A long a waited reaction from the Commission on whistleblower protection was recently launched in the form of a roadmap. An impact assessment and a public consultation are expected this year.
As a result of all the work and cooperation that was done during the trade secrets directive, a platform was set up to exchange views on EU protection for whistleblowers. In October 2016, a press conference was organised to present the platform and to call for EU-wide whistleblower protection.
Now the platform, with nearly 80 organisations and 4 600 individuals as signatories, has gained attention by the European Commission. The Commission has launched a roadmap on an impact assessment and public consultation for the first semester of 2017. “The Commission has repeatedly stressed the essential role of whistle-blowers for promoting, amongst others, the fight against corruption, good governance and freedom of expression.”
Eurocadres is in favour of a directive on whistleblower protection.
Eurocadres is in favour of a directive on whistleblower protection. To fight corruption and other unlawful acts there should be a safe way to report wrongdoings. Also, any harmful acts towards the environment and public health are serious infringements and of public interest, says Policy Officer Janina Mackiewicz from Eurocadres. Reporting such acts should not be punishable.
The legislation in different member states varies greatly and there are no clear definitions or best practice examples on how to protect whistleblowers. Whistleblowers end up paying a high price: sacrificing career, reputation, freedom and a stable income, Mackiewicz continues.
Whistleblowers end up paying a high price: sacrificing career, reputation, freedom and a stable income.
Eurocadres will work together with the platform and the political groups in the European Parliament to find common ground and a reasonable legal basis for pursuing whistleblower protection in the EU. We are glad that the Commission takes this matter seriously and we will provide our expertise and support in this matter.