The planned change comes in light of an EU directive. The draft law is thus set to regulate the whistleblower status, as well as the respective rights and duties that come with the position.
In the future, every individual classifying as a whistleblower according to the law will be protected if they release information concerning their work. Minister Tanson underlined that this will not only affect employees: “This can also be done by shareholders, members of the board, volunteers, trainees, and new recruits in the hiring process.”
Whistleblower protection will come into effect if certain conditions are met: “Motives for the release of information must be considered reasonable and it must be done according to procedure.”
Minister Tanson further explained that the law is designed to balance the protection of whistleblowers and of companies and administrations. She therefore emphasised that fraudulent claims will be punished: “Prison sentences range between three days and three months, monetary fines between €1,500 and €50,000.”
A new office is set to be created under the tutelage of the Ministry of Justice through the introduction of the law. Minister Tanson expressed her hopes that the draft law can still be passed this year.
