The EU is taking steps to guarantee a high level protection to whistle-blowers across a wide range of sectors.
EU 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.
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