The Reform of the Commission’s procedures for Whistleblowers and their Protection
with Nick AIOSSA, Director Transparency International EU
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
MANY THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
First and foremost, we would like to thank you for the overwhelming support you have expressed in response to our positions concerning the absence of a credible Commission policy on whistleblower protection. Your encouragement strengthens our determination to pursue our efforts with even greater resolve.
Concerning whistleblowers protection, the Commission must finally lead by example
Indeed, in our communication of 26 February 2026 (link), we reaffirmed an unequivocal principle: the European Commission cannot credibly act as Guardian of the Treaties while imposing robust whistleblower-protection standards on Member States and, at the same time, systematically failing to provide equivalent — let alone equal — safeguards within its own administration and within the EU agencies and joint undertakings falling under its responsibility.
We stressed that, for the Commission, leading by example means finally putting in place internal procedures that ensure effective, credible and enforceable protection for whistleblowers. This is not merely a matter of policy choice. It is an obligation inherent in the Commission’s role as Guardian of the Treaties and in its responsibility to ensure the proper application of the Staff Regulations.
The credibility of Union action, the authority of EU law and the trust of citizens and staff alike depend on the willingness of the Institutions to apply to themselves, fully and consistently, the standards they require others to observe.
This is all the more important given that EU officials and other servants are themselves under a statutory obligation to report facts giving rise to a presumption of possible illegal activity, including fraud or corruption detrimental to the interests of the Union, as well as conduct relating to the discharge of official duties which may constitute a serious failure to comply with the obligations of EU officials, in accordance with Article 22a of the Staff Regulations.
We warmly welcome European Parliament resolution
In this context, we welcomed the European Parliament’s resolution adopted in the framework of the 2024 discharge procedure for the Commission, which broadly confirms the concerns we have repeatedly raised and reinforces our calls for meaningful reform.
We were particularly pleased to note that a number of the issues we had identified — including shortcomings in whistleblower protection, the handling of requests for assistance under Article 24 of the Staff Regulations, and the conduct of investigations within formal administrative procedures — were reflected in the European Parliament resolution of 29 April 2026 (link).
A very disappointing draft reform…
In our letter addressed to Commissioner Serafin (link), we have already expressed our disappointment with the draft internal rules transmitted by the administration in anticipation of negotiations with the Staff Representation.
Far from delivering the genuine reform that is required, the current draft appears, in our view, largely to preserve the existing framework and risks perpetuating the very shortcomings that have repeatedly been identified. Rather than strengthening confidence in the reporting system, certain elements of the draft may have the effect of discouraging potential whistleblowers from coming forward.
…Which, far from discouraging us, prompted us to intensify our efforts!
This assessment does not discourage us. On the contrary, we remain fully committed to ensuring that the forthcoming social dialogue leads to a substantial improvement of the text.
R&D will therefore submit concrete proposals and amendments aimed at reinforcing the effectiveness, independence and credibility of the future framework. We have also been reassured by the indications received that the negotiations will be conducted in a spirit of openness, genuine dialogue and willingness to consider the concerns raised by Staff Representation.
Benchmarking ….
As has consistently been our practice, R&D has first carried out a comparative analysis of the rules and decisions adopted by the other EU Institutions in order to identify relevant standards and best practices.
Drawing on the expertise of leading specialists
At the same time, we have sought the expertise of recognised specialists in the field in order to further strengthen our analysis and ensure that the forthcoming social dialogue is informed by both institutional experience and external expertise.
To that end, R&D has invited Transparency International EU, whose mission includes preventing corruption and promoting integrity, transparency and accountability in the European Union’s institutions, policies and legislation.
Nick Aiossa, Director of Transparency International EU, will join us to share his experience and expertise on rules and the safeguards that should absolutely form part of a credible whistleblower-protection regime.
The expertise and recommendations arising from this exchange will assist R&D in formulating concrete amendments to the draft currently under discussion and in defending, during the forthcoming social dialogue, a framework capable of providing effective protection in practice, and not merely on paper.
You will also have the opportunity to submit your questions online and to participate directly in the discussion.
Cristiano SEBASTIANI,
Chair