Parliament votes to ensure EU-wide economic and legal protection for whistleblowers. They should be able to report wrongdoing without fear of reprisals via new, secure channels.

data protection

EU politics

mass media

DSM (Digital Single Market)

Protecting democracy by protecting whistleblowers

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/17476899/N01-PUB-190408-BLOW-EN.srt

Europe loses between €5.8 and €9.6 billion every year 

in public procurement due to the lack of whistleblower protection. 

Only about 10 EU countries currently protect whistleblowers. 

MEPs have reached an agreement with EU governments 

so that whistleblowers feel safe to report illegal or unethical activity.

 We must protect those who defend Europe's interests – the whistleblowers. 

They defend us, they defend European democracy and the European common good. 

So as members of the European Parliament, it is our duty to protect them.

The new rules will widen the scope of who is protected by the law: 

the NGOs and journalists who help whistleblowers will also benefit.

 And it's not just in cases of tax evasion, like with the Lux Leaks scandal.

Whistleblowers should be protected regardless of the type of violation – 

whether it's in finance, the environment, politics or personal data. 

We wanted two-tier protection for whistleblowers: 

and legal protection when they are prosecuted

 simply for having acted in the public interest by reporting a violation. 

The measures include the creation of safe channels 

so whistleblowers can report wrongdoing without fear of reprisals...

 and greater assistance like free legal advice and psychological support.

The text also provides safeguards against suspension and demotion, 

should a whistleblower be dismissed from their job.