Source: transparency.hu
Anti-Corruption NGO Transparency International Hungary and K-Monitor have jointly sent a letter to the European Commission, raising concerns about Hungary’s transposition of the EU Directive on Whistleblowing (2019/1937).
The letter, dated 21 December 2023, calls for the Commission to take action, highlighting significant gaps in the Hungarian government’s implementation of the Directive, which was intended to improve whistleblower protections across the EU.
The organisations argue that Hungary’s current transposition of the Directive falls short of the required standards. Key areas of concern include:
- Inadequate protections for whistleblowers: The letter states that the Hungarian law does not fully safeguard whistleblowers from retaliation, leaving them vulnerable in both public and private sectors.
- Limited access to reporting channels: The transposition has not sufficiently established independent reporting mechanisms, making it difficult for individuals to report wrongdoing safely and effectively.
- Lack of public awareness: Transparency International Hungary and K-Monitor note that the public remains largely unaware of the rights and protections available to whistleblowers, undermining the Directive’s objective of promoting transparency and accountability.
The letter calls on the European Commission to intervene and ensure that Hungary’s legislation aligns more closely with the EU Directive’s standards. Both organisations stressed the importance of having a robust framework in place to encourage individuals to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
This move reflects ongoing efforts by civil society organisations to hold governments accountable and ensure that whistleblowers are properly protected in line with European standards. Similar action has been taken by TI Italy and Whistleblower-Netzwerk e..v in Germany.