FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 17, 2019

Government Accountability Project Praises European Parliament Approval of the Landmark Legislation for EU Whistleblower Rights

BRUSSELS – Yesterday, the European Parliament voted in favor of landmark legislation to protect whistleblowers throughout the European Union (EU) bloc with the support of 591 Members of European Parliament.

The Directive creates binding free speech rights for all 28 nations currently in the EU, to be followed by national laws with further details on implementation that cannot be weaker than the  minimum standards established by the legislation. Through the Whistleblowing International Network, Government Accountability Project fought for the reform as part of a coalition led by the professional trade union Eurocadre, Transparency International, and the Green Party.

Tom Devine, Legal Director of Government Accountability Project, hailed the critical victory saying:

“Yesterday’s approval of the European Union Whistleblower Directive is a breakthrough for freedom of speech when it counts the most – challenging abuses of power that betray the public trust. Although the United States was the pioneer for whistleblower protection in 1978, Europe has taken the lead as the global pace-setter for accountability through freedom of speech.”

Contact: Tom Devine, Legal Director

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (202) 457-0034 ext. 124

Government Accountability Project

Government Accountability Project is the nation’s leading whistleblower protection organization. Through litigating whistleblower cases, publicizing concerns and developing legal reforms, Government Accountability Project’s mission is to protect the public interest by promoting government and corporate accountability. Founded in 1977, Government Accountability Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C

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