global priorities/other thematic issues/Towards greater protection of whistleblowers/Assessment of whistleblowing frameworks in 10 European countries

Assessment of whistleblowing frameworks in 10 European countries

^{photo: © Stefan Redel/istock}

A key product of the “Blowing the Whistle Harder: Enhancing Whistleblower Protection in the European Union project is an assessment of the current legislation, policies, and practice regarding whistleblower protection in 10 European countries. This comprehensive review of currently existing protection mechanisms provides the basis for an accurate diagnosis of what needs to be done in order to improve conditions for whistleblowers in the public and private sector.

Press Release: Inadequate laws expose whistleblowers and impede fight against corruption (03.12.09)

Results
The research resulted in the assessment of whistleblowing legislation, policies and practice in

The findings were complemented with research and experience with existing legislation and policies in other countries and compiled into a regional report.

Alternative to Silence: Whistleblower Protection in 10 European Countries
With the aim of contributing to more effective whistleblowing frameworks and protection mechanisms in the European Union, this report assesses whistleblowing legislation, policies and practice in 10 European countries.

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Whistleblowing: International Standards and Developments
Background paper written for the TI project "Blowing the whistle harder - Enhancing whistleblower protection in the European Union

>> read more

Methodology
The data collection method included an expert review of existing analysis and documents on whistleblowing protection in the country, a review of laws and institutional policies in the public and private sector, as well as key informant interviews and media analysis

Existing laws, the actual use of whistleblowing mechanisms and the cultural context in the country were analysed. Research included an assessment of the existing legislation and its application according to a set of international best practices.

Read the full methodology here