Whistleblower Directive

What is EU Directive 2019/1937?

In 2019, the European Union adopted the Whistleblower Protection Directive, or the so-called Whistleblowers Directive, the purpose of which is to ensure protection for whistleblowers who have become aware of a violation through professional activity.

Illegal activities and abuse of legal regulations can occur in all organizations, regardless of whether they are in the private or public sector, large or small. This can take many forms, such as corruption, fraud, abuse of office or negligence. If this is not prevented, the public interest may be severely damaged.

People who work for the organization or come into contact with it in their professional activities are often the first to know about it and are therefore in an advantageous position to inform those who can deal with the problem.

Whistleblowers, i.e. persons who report (within the relevant organization or to an external authority) or disclose (to the public) information about illegal activities occurring in a professional context, help prevent damages and identify threats or harm to the public interest that may otherwise remain hidden.

Reference: Directive - 2019/1937 - EN - EUR-Lex