Source: blueprintforfreespeech.net
NGO Blueprint for Free Speech is joined by more than 15 civil society organisations in publishing an open letter to the Ministry of Justice, requesting an open and participatory legislative process for the transposition of the European Directive 2019/1937, of the European Parliament and Council, on the protection of persons who report infringements of Union law.
Organisations advocating for whistleblower protection have requested an inclusive and transparent process to transpose the European Directive 2019/1937 into Spanish law.
Spain faces the obligation and challenge to transpose EU Directive on Whistleblowing. Many whistleblowers are currently exposed to risks when revealing wrongdoing and may suffer retaliation, changes in their working conditions, persecution, defamation and even physical harm. With regards to the current legislation, various proposals from political parties and coalitions have been presented.
Recently, the proposal made by Ciudadanos political party was voted down by Congress, on the basis that it was considered “insufficient” to protect whistleblowers. Other legislative alternatives have originated from the work and commitment of civil organizations.
On 2nd June, the Ministry of Justice established a Working Group that depends on the Codification Commission, composed of members from various social sectors, without taking into consideration the opinion of whistleblowers who have experienced victimisation and civil society organisations with expertise in this area.
Due to this, more than 15 civil society organisations agreed to publish an open letter to the Ministry of Justice, requesting an inclusive and transparent legislative process, without waiting until December to see the final results.
Whilst the Commission’s statutes do not establish a participatory consultation mechanism, the signatory organisations believe it is legitimate to request the establishment of a formal channel to present expert opinions that should be taken into consideration during the transposition process. The initiative, promoted by Blueprint for Free Speech and NGO FIBGAR, hopes an open consultation process will achieve an ambitious, horizontal, and responsible transposition of the Directive.