On 22 September 2025, the Council of Europe, in partnership with the Tunisian École Nationale d’Administration (ENA), held a seminar in Tunis on the role of whistleblowers in combating corruption and the use of technology to safeguard them. The event gathered over 100 participants, including existing and new civil servants, senior officials, and members of ministerial good governance units, to discuss the foundations of an effective protection system.

Discussions covered global best practices, the full reporting process—from initial disclosure to resolution—and technological tools that ensure confidentiality and shield whistleblowers from reprisals. Case studies highlighted how encrypted reporting channels and mobile applications can build trust and encourage responsible disclosures.

Speakers stressed that protecting whistleblowers is essential to serving the public interest and promoting the common good. They examined the complementary roles of stakeholders across the public and private sectors, from trusted points of contact to institutional leaders, supervisory authorities, prosecutors, and law enforcement. Clear responsibilities, coordinated action, and a culture of trust were identified as key to a robust system.

The seminar reaffirmed whistleblowers’ vital contribution to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, framing their protection as a cornerstone of ethical governance. Safeguarding those who speak out was described not as a procedural formality, but as a fundamental element of democratic integrity—one that deters misconduct and upholds public values.

In closing, participants called for ongoing capacity-building, strong legal safeguards, and close inter-institutional cooperation to keep protection systems resilient and credible.

This activity was organised within the framework of the joint EU–Council of Europe project on Improving Economic Governance for Anti-corruption in Tunisia (AGELA, French acronym), co funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe. The project aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance in Tunisia.