Whistleblower Protection implementation in the EU

The European Commission has filed a lawsuit against eight EU Member States for failing to transpose the EU Whistleblower Directive into national legislation.

The Commission is claiming that these Member States have not implemented the EU's Whistleblower Directive, which was adopted in 2019 and aims to provide whistleblowers with a high level of protection across the EU. The Directive requires all EU member states to set up safe and secure reporting channels for whistleblowers, as well as to protect them from retaliation and to safeguard their identity. The Directive also includes provisions for public procurement, financial services, money laundering, and data protection.

Whistleblower Directive implementaion in Malta

Malta amended the Whistleblower Protection Act in December 2021 and it established a framework for the protection of whistleblowers in both the public and private sectors. The Act offers whistleblowers a variety of protections, including immunity from retaliation, confidentiality, and legal recourse. Companies registered in Malta and having 50 employees or more must ensure that they are fully compliant with the law.

How can BDO help?

We can assist businesses in being fully compliant with the Protection of Whistleblower Act. BDO Malta can assist businesses in establishing and maintaining a robust whistleblowing programme.

Our services include:

Creating and implementing a whistleblowing policy and procedure
Whistleblower Protection Training to employees and how to use reporting channels
Investigating whistleblower reports
Outsourcing of the Whistleblower Protection Unit
Ensuring compliance with all legal requirements concerning whistleblower protection