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.
Read the Brussels Declaration with the full recommendations.:
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.
Read the Brussels Declaration with the full recommendations.:
The Ombudsperson of the German-speaking Community of Belgium
A mediator between the citizens and the administration
The ombudsperson can mediate between a citizen and an administrative authority or an association.
The person can present his point of view on an issue.
The person can present his point of view on an issue.
The analysis and bundling of the various contributions is intended to improve the administration in the long term.
the Ombudsperson mediates by complaints against decisions or proceedings
of an administrative authorities or of an municipality or social welfare centre in the German-speaking Community:
of the following educational institutions in the German-speaking Community
van de volgende verzorgingsinstellingen in de Duitstalige Gemeenschap
one of the following institutions inside the German-speaking Community:
If you do not know exactly which institution in the German-speaking Community is responsible, you may find your problem in the following list:
The ombudsperson is not responsible for these complaints:
via federal, regional or foreign authorities.
via hospitals
over autonomous companies such as the railroad or the post office.
in private disputes.
The Ombudswoman will direct the Issue to the relevant Ombudsman Service.
Who can lodge a complaint?
a citizen
a company
an association
Irrespective of his nationality, place of residence or place of business, any natural or legal person or de facto association may lodge a complaint with the ombudswoman.
You still don't know who can actually investigate your complaint?
Just search under http://www.ombudsman.be/de.
You can contact the Consumer Protection Center in Eupen for tenancy disputes or problems with your hirer or renter or your energy or telephone provider. https://verbraucherschutzzentrale.be
the ombudsperson
The ombudsperson listens to your issue in a confidential manner. She is subject to professional secrecy. Her service is free of charge.
She is your partner for a mutual- and out-of-court solution to your issue with an administration.
She sees herself as an independent and neutral bridge builder, committed to the resumption of dialogue between the administrative authority and you.
Call!
The ombudsperson has a free phone number:
phone: 0800 98759
You can reach the office of the ombudsperson by telephone
montags von 13:30 to 16:30 Uhr, dienstags von 9 to 12 Uhr, freitags von 09 to 12 Uhr.
If she does not answer immediately, she may have a conversation or attend a meeting. She will get back to you as soon as possible.
At other times, please leave a message in the voice mail, and the Ombudswoman will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
oder nutzen Sie das Online-Formular: https://www.dg-ombudsdienst.be/en/complaint_form.htm
Ombudsdienst der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft