RIGHTS WHISPER responds to a central challenge in whistleblower protection: having legislation in place does not automatically mean that people feel safe to report wrongdoing or that organisations know how to handle reports correctly. Greece, Slovenia and Bulgaria have transposed the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive into national law, yet the project identifies continuing practical gaps in awareness, trust, procedures, confidentiality, protection from retaliation and access to remedies.

The project brings together EQUALINE as coordinator, Transparency International Slovenia, the Social Innovation and Cohesion Institute (Fifty-Fifty), and Transparency International Bulgaria. The partnership follows a research-to-practice approach. Evidence on the functioning of reporting systems and workers’ awareness is translated into practical guidance, training, capacity-building activities and accessible public communication.

The EU Whistleblower Protection Directive

Directive (EU) 2019/1937 establishes common minimum standards for protecting people who report breaches of EU law acquired in a work-related context. Its purpose is not only to create reporting mechanisms, but to make reporting safer and more predictable. The Directive requires appropriate internal and external reporting channels and sets rules for how reports should be received and followed up. In the project’s practical framework, this includes acknowledgement of a report within seven days and feedback generally within three months.

Confidentiality is a core safeguard. The identity of the reporting person must be protected in accordance with the Directive, while organisations and competent authorities need procedures that allow reports to be handled securely and by appropriately designated persons. The Directive also prohibits retaliation. This includes adverse treatment linked to reporting and is supported by measures intended to protect whistleblowers and facilitate access to remedies when retaliation occurs.

RIGHTS WHISPER does not create a new or parallel reporting channel. Instead, it helps workers, civil society organisations, reporting officers, compliance and HR professionals, public bodies and competent authorities understand and use the existing legal framework more effectively. The project focuses on translating legal obligations into everyday procedures, accessible guidance and practical learning.

The Directive and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

RIGHTS WHISPER places the Directive within the wider framework of fundamental rights. Article 11 of the Charter protects freedom of expression and information and is closely connected to the ability to speak up about wrongdoing. Article 31 concerns fair and just working conditions and is particularly relevant to protection against retaliation in the workplace. Article 41 establishes the right to good administration, which is reflected in transparent, timely and fair handling of reports. Article 47 protects the right to an effective remedy and a fair trial, which matters when a whistleblower needs to challenge retaliation or seek redress.

This connection is central to RIGHTS WHISPER. Whistleblower protection is approached not simply as a compliance requirement, but as a practical expression of fundamental rights, transparency, accountability and good governance.

Our Vision

A Europe in which people can speak up about wrongdoing without fear, reporting systems are trustworthy and accessible, and institutions respond to disclosures lawfully, fairly and transparently.

Our Mission

To strengthen the practical implementation of whistleblower protection by connecting the EU Charter and Directive (EU) 2019/1937 with research, institutional capacity building, accessible learning resources and public awareness.

What We Do

• Research how whistleblower protection and reporting channels operate in practice in the participating countries.
• Connect Directive (EU) 2019/1937 with Articles 11, 31, 41 and 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
• Develop practical guidance, learning resources and capacity-building activities for CSOs, reporting and compliance officers, public bodies and competent authorities.
• Improve public understanding of reporting channels, confidentiality, protection against retaliation and available remedies.
• Create accessible communication resources including podcasts, video content, case-based materials and multilingual information.
• Promote inclusive communication with attention to gender equality, non-discrimination and accessibility for persons with disabilities and under-represented groups.