The Council of Europe in cooperation with the Agency for Prevention of Corruption (APC) organised three consecutive workshops on strengthening the whistleblower protection system in Public Administration which took place from 10 to 12 October 2023 within the framework of the joint European Union and Council of Europe “Project against Economic Crime” (PECK III).

The focus of the workshops was to strengthen capacities and practical knowledge of responsible officials processing whistleblower cases within Public Administration by equipping them with tools and knowledge that is required to conduct effective investigations of whistleblower reports and manage workplace wrongdoing. 

The events were attended by more than 100 responsible officials representing various bodies of public administration at local and central level, independent agencies, municipalities and publicly owned enterprises.

Responsible officials raised their knowledge on the international standards and good comparative practice related to effective investigation of whistleblowing reports as well as on the domestic legal framework and responsibilities they have. Additionally, they enhanced their practical skills on how to conduct the investigations of whistleblower reports and had the opportunity to discuss the challenges they encounter while carrying out their tasks. 
The events are organised following substantial support and advice provided by the project in the process of preparing sublegal acts, namely: “Guidance on protections provided to persons submitting reporting in the public interest” and “Guidelines on the Method of Conducting the Administrative Investigation in the context of whistleblowing”. Both of these documents were recently adopted by the Ministry of Justice, demonstrating their importance in fostering transparency and accountability in handling reports of public interest.

The activity was organised within the framework of the “Project against Economic Crime in Kosovo” (PECK III), jointly funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the latter.