The right to speak out?
Draft directive for the protection of whistle-blowers across Europe
PRESENTATION
Public event to present a draft whistle-blowing directive The Greens/EFA group and the ITCO intergroup in the European Parliament will present a draft directive for the protection of whistle-blowers across Europe at a public event to take place in Brussels on 4th May 2016, the last day of Antoine Deltour and Edouard Perrin's #Luxleaks trial. Several groups in the European Parliament have been calling for an EU directive to protect those who blow the whistle and expose wrong-doing in their organisations from unfair retaliation and abuse in the workplace, but so far the European Commission has been reluctant to act. The draft Directive aims to inspire the European Commission to use its power to propose legislation for the protection of whistle-blowers across Europe. The Directive aims to incorporate international standards on how to best protect whistle-blowers into EU law, thus ensuring the rights and mobility of workers and protecting both public institutions and private companies from fraudulent activities within their ranks. You are cordially invited to provide feedback on the draft and to participate in the debate around how to take this issue forward at a European level, to ensure adequate protection for all.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
Welcome and keynote speech
9:30
Opening remarks by Julia Reda MEP - Greens/EFA 9:40
Keynote address by Antoine Deltour, Luxleaks whistle-blower:
"What sort of legislation do we need to protect whistleblowers?" Video from Luxembourg on last day of his trial.
Panel on International standards vs. the realities of whistleblowing in Europe
9:45
David Kaye, UN special rapporteur on freedom of expression
The main findings and recommendations on whistleblowing in the report of September 2015 (video message) 9:50
Philippe Krantz, Council of Europe
Key principles for protecting whistle blowers from the Council of Europe Recommendation 10:05
Frédéric St-Martin, Public Sector Integrity Division, OECD
Main recommendations on the protection of whistle blowers 10:20
Carl Dolan, Transparency International EU
Why is Europe lagging behind on whistleblower protection? 10:35
Question and Answer session Moderation by Sven Giegold, MEP - Greens/EFA 10:45
Coffee break
Roundtable on how to make the draft whistleblowing directive a reality
Short presentation of the directive by Alberto Alemanno and Vigjilenca Abazi followed by reactions and suggestions from MEPs, the European Commission and conference participants 11:20
MEPs from all groups were invited. Those present will be:
- Alain Lamassoure MEP - European People's Party
- Elly Schlein MEP - Socialists and Democrats
- Dennis de Jong MEP - European United Left/Nordic Green Left
- Ignazio Corrao MEP - Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy
- Pascal Durand MEP - Greens/EFA
12:00
The European Commission will be represented by Anabela Gago, Head of Unit, Organised crime, DG HOME 12:10
Question and Answer session 12:45
Moderation and closing remarks by Benedek Jávor, MEP - Greens/EFA 13:00
End of the conference
