Transparency International EU Office submission to the consultation on the Ombudsman’s draft internal rules on whistle-blowing

TI-EU welcomes the decision of the European Ombudsman to adopt internal whistle-blowing rules, and the opportunity to contribute to a public consultation on the draft rules. Whistle-blowers play a crucial role in identifying potentially fraudulent, illegal or corrupt activity, often at potentially serious personal or professional risk. With EU civil servants subject to a legal obligation under Article 22a of the EU Staff Regulations to report wrongdoing, comprehensive whistle-blowing rules are therefore an important component in ensuring they are supported in fulfilling this duty, and provided with adequate protection when doing so. Such rules thereby contribute directly to underpinning the integrity of the EU’s institutions and its staff.