# Whistleblower Protection in the EU: Analysis of and Recommendations on the Proposed EU Directive URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblower-protection-in-the-eu-analysis-of-and-recommendations Type: Publication or report Published: 2018-07-13 Updated: 2020-04-02 --- 13 July 2018 Whistleblowers play an essential role in exposing corruption and other wrongdoing that threaten the public interest. By disclosing information about such misdeeds, whistleblowers have helped save countless lives and billions of euros in public funds. Protecting whistleblowers from unfair treatment, including retaliation, discrimination or disadvantage, can embolden people to report wrongdoing, which increases the likelihood that wrongdoing is prevented, uncovered and penalised. Whistleblower protection is thus a key means for enhancing effective enforcement of legislation. On 23 April 2018, the European Commission published a proposal for an EU-wide Whistleblowing Directive. The proposed legislation is aimed at providing better protection to whistleblowers across the EU and should provide both public- and private-sector organisations with greater legal certainty regarding their rights and obligations. Transparency International has prepared this analysis of the proposal, which provides recommendations aimed at closing loopholes and strengthening the proposed text. ### Related publications ## [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. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## [Accelerating Action Against Criminal and Corrupt Wealth: Recommendations for the London Illicit Finance Summit](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/recommendations-london-illicit-finance-summit) Publication • 28 May 2026 This paper sets out recommendations on how governments participating in the UK Illicit Finance Summit can deliver credible and ambitious outcomes. ## [How effective is whistleblower protection in the EU? Trends, gaps and emerging practices across member states](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblower-protection-eu-trends-gaps-practices-member-states) Publication • 16 April 2026 EU whistleblower rules exist, but slow, uneven implementation leaves gaps in protection, enforcement, and support. ## Priorities - [Whistleblowing](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/whistleblowing) ## Projects - [Whistleblowing programme](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/whistleblowing-project) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2018_Position_Paper_Whistleblower_Protection_EU_English_116.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2018_Position_Paper_Whistleblower_Protection_EU_English.pdf)