New rules on whistleblower protection start to apply in the EU

The new EU-wide rules on whistleblower protection, outlined in the the Whistleblower Protection Directive, have entered into application. The new law guarantees a high level of protection for persons who report breaches of EU law. The Directive provides for effective and widely available reporting channels and for robust protection of whistleblowers, working in both public and private sector across the EU.

Values and Transparency Vice President Věra Jourová said: “Whistleblowers are courageous people who dare to bring illegal activities to light. The new law will help them to do so safely.”

Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said: “Whistleblowers play a crucial role in defending the public interest. Bringing illegal activities to light, they often put their reputation, career and livelihood on the line. The new rules create a European space where whistleblowers will feel safe to speak up about violations that threaten the public interest without fearing retaliation for their courage. I call on those Member States that have not yet informed us of transposition to ensure that these important rules are implemented without further delay.”

The Directive covers many key EU policy areas, from anti-money laundering, data protection, protection of financial interests of the Union, food and product safety to public health, environmental protection and nuclear safety. The Commission encourages member states, when transposing the Directive, to extend its scope of application to other areas, to ensure a comprehensive and coherent framework at national level. If member states fail to fulfill their obligations, the European Commission will not hesitate to take legal steps to enforce compliance with the rules.

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