NEIWA calls for stronger commitment to fight corruption in Brussels Declaration
In the Brussels Declaration, the network of European integrity and whistleblowing authorities calls for a stronger commitment to the fight against corruption.
The representatives of the NEIWA network (full name: Network of European Integrity and Whistleblowing Authorities) met in Brussels on June 12 and 13, 2025 at the invitation of the Federal Ombudsman. They held their annual general assembly there to coordinate their positions on topics that they had examined and discussed in working groups over the past few months. In their final declaration, they call for the swift adoption of the proposal for an EU directive to step up the fight against corruption.
The NEIWA network has been in existence since 2019 and has 35 members from 23 European countries. All members play an important role in the implementation of the European Whistleblower Directive in their country.
During the meeting in Brussels, the participants summarized the results of the working groups in the 'Brussels Declaration', which contains some practical recommendations for the members and an appeal to policy makers.
This is how the network recommends its members:
- Provide tools to still be able to communicate anonymously with the reporter in the case of anonymous reports, for example to request additional information;
- analyze data related to anonymous reports in order to improve the quality of these reports;
raise awareness among their employees of the importance of secure information exchange between the competent authorities in connection with reports;
- focus on the education and training of lawyers and others who support whistleblowers.
The NEIWA network calls on policy makers to
- continue their commitment to the fight against corruption and swiftly adopt the proposal for an EU anti-corruption directive;
- Improve the protection of whistleblowers and uphold freedom of expression as the foundation of our democracy;
further develop support for whistleblowers;
promote awareness of the role of whistleblowers, the ways in which they can report and their contribution to the common good.
Ombudsperson Marlene Hardt attended the meeting on behalf of the German-speaking Community.
veröffentlicht: 20.06.2025