Empowering whistleblowers against corruption (EWAC)

Whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing corruption, protecting public resources and strengthening accountability. However, in EU candidate countries such as Moldova, Montenegro and North Macedonia, the rules to protect whistleblowers are often weak or not systematically enforced.

Key challenges include gaps in alignment with the EU Whistleblowing Directive, limited institutional capacity to manage whistleblower reports, and low public awareness of rights and reporting channels. Many people also do not trust existing systems, fear retaliation and lack access to independent advice, which discourages them from reporting wrongdoing.

Addressing these challenges is essential for strengthening accountability and public trust, and for supporting these countries in meeting EU standards.

EWAC, funded by Agence française de développement via Expertise France, works with national partners and key stakeholders to strengthen whistleblower protection systems in Moldova, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

The project focuses on:

• Improving laws and institutional frameworks to protect whistleblowers, including alignment with EU standards such as the EU Whistleblowing Directive

• Increasing public awareness of whistleblowing and building trust in reporting systems, with particular attention to women and vulnerable groups

• Training and supporting public institutions and organisations to create effective gender-sensitive internal reporting channels and strengthen their protection by authorities

• Providing safe and accessible support to whistleblowers, including through Advocacy and Legal Advice Centres (ALACs) and legal advice and assistance before, during and after reporting

• Monitoring the implementation of whistleblower protection frameworks and identifying gaps to inform reforms

• Promoting regional exchange and learning across EU enlargement countries

EWAC combines advocacy, research, capacity building and direct support, building on Transparency International’s experience in whistleblower protection and linking national activities with regional learning.

• Country-led implementation: National partners lead activities at country level, ensuring work is adapted to legal frameworks and institutional realities

• Linking frameworks with practice: The project connects legal and policy reform efforts with practical implementation, including how reporting systems function and how whistleblowers are supported

• Combining different forms of support: Advocacy, training, communication and direct assistance are used together to address gaps in a comprehensive way

• Evidence-informed engagement: Research, monitoring and stakeholder engagement are used to identify challenges and support targeted reforms

• Regional coordination: Experiences from different countries are shared to support learning and promote alignment with EU standards