To mark International Human Rights Day, the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has released a new thematic paper on whistleblower protection in law enforcement.
Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing corruption across the public and private sectors. The paper stresses that protecting individuals who report wrongdoing is essential to safeguarding integrity and transparency, and forms an important part of the right to freedom of expression — a principle repeatedly upheld by the European Court of Human Rights. Over the past two decades, the Council of Europe has led efforts to set common standards for safe disclosures of information made in the public interest and whistleblower protection.
This new publication outlines GRECO’s findings and approach to whistleblower protection within the context of its Fifth Evaluation Round, focused on preventing corruption and promoting integrity in central governments (persons with top executive functions) and law enforcement agencies. It covers three main areas: the legal framework for whistleblower protection; training, information and advice for potential whistleblowers; and systems for monitoring how well protections are working in practice. It also spotlights examples of good or promising practices from member states that could guide future reforms.
The paper notes that while progress has been made, important gaps remain. GRECO has repeatedly called for adequate rules on whistleblower protection, clearer reporting channels, strong safeguards against both direct and subtle forms of retaliation, and strict confidentiality — including the option of anonymity — for those coming forward. In several countries, GRECO has asked authorities to prohibit reprisals within police services and to take concrete steps to protect whistleblowers. It also highlights the need to raise awareness, provide specialised training, and collect and monitor data and cases to ensure that protection measures are effectively implemented.
These issues will remain in focus as GRECO moves into its Sixth Evaluation Round, which focuses on preventing corruption and promoting integrity at the sub-national level.
