# How effective is whistleblower protection in the EU? Trends, gaps and emerging practices across member states URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblower-protection-eu-trends-gaps-practices-member-states Type: Publication or report Published: 2026-04-16 Updated: 2026-05-18 --- 16 April 2026 The European Union recognised the critical role of whistleblowers in enforcing EU law and protecting the public interest with the adoption of Directive (EU) 2019/1937. The Directive introduced minimum standards to safeguard individuals who report wrongdoing and required Member States to transpose these rules into national legislation by December 2021. However, transposition has been slow, uneven and often delayed, leaving significant gaps driven by incomplete or incorrect legal framework and compounded by weak implementation in practice. This report examines how these shortcomings undermine whistleblower protection across the EU. It identifies persistent legal gaps in key areas such as remedies and the burden of proof, alongside fragmented and under-resourced enforcement systems that struggle to prevent retaliation or impose meaningful sanctions. It also highlights limited access to independent advice and support, with civil society organisations frequently filling the gaps without adequate recognition or funding, as well as a lack of systematic and inclusive data collection. The report calls for targeted reforms by Member States and stronger action by the European Commission to reinforce enforcement, ensure full and effective protections, and improve transparency, accountability and support systems for whistleblowers. ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Strengthening Public Oversight: Good practices for partnerships between civil society and supreme audit institutions](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/strengthening-public-oversight-good-practices-for-partnerships-between-civil-society-and-supreme-audit-institutions) Publication • 29 May 2026 Stronger collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions and Civil Society Organisations is needed for better public financial oversight. ## [Closing the Gaps: Detecting and investigating corrupt money flows in the Middle East and North Africa](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/closing-the-gaps-middle-east-and-north-africa) Publication • 13 May 2026 Corruption and illicit financial flows remain serious and ongoing challenges across the Middle East and North Africa. ## Priorities - [Whistleblowing](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/whistleblowing) ## Countries - [Austria](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/austria) - [Belgium](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/belgium) - [Bulgaria](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/bulgaria) - [Croatia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/croatia) - [Cyprus](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/cyprus) - [Czech Republic](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/czech-republic) - [Denmark](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/denmark) - [Estonia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/estonia) - [Finland](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/finland) - [France](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/france) - [Germany](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/germany) - [Greece](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/greece) - [Hungary](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/hungary) - [Ireland](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/ireland) - [Italy](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/italy) - [Latvia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/latvia) - [Lithuania](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/lithuania) - [Luxembourg](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/luxembourg) - [Malta](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/malta) - [Netherlands](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/netherlands) - [Poland](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/poland) - [Portugal](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/portugal) - [Romania](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/romania) - [Slovakia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/slovakia) - [Slovenia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/slovenia) - [Spain](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/spain) - [Sweden](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/sweden) ## Projects - [Strengthening and fostering enabling environment for whistleblowers in the European Union (SAFE for Whistleblowers)](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/enabling-environment-safe-for-whistleblowers-european-union) ![Drawing of a face with a whistle in their mouth.](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2604_Report_ICE-Whistleblowing_Cover.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/How-effective-is-whistleblower-protection-in-the-EU_Report.pdf)