BETA

82 Amendments of Dominique BILDE related to 2018/0106(COD)

Amendment 105 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
(1) Persons who work for an organisation or are in contact with it in the context of their work-related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest which arise in this context. By ‘blowing the whistle’ they play a key role in exposing and preventing breaches of the law and in safeguarding the welfare of societycommon good. However, potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 109 #
(3) In certain policy areas, breaches of Union law may cause serious harm to the public interest, in the sense of creating significant risks for the welfare of societycommon good. Where weaknesses of enforcement have been identified in those areas, and whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches, it is necessary to enhance enforcement by ensuring effective protection of whistleblowers from retaliation and introducing effective reporting channels.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 113 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
(8) As regards the safety of products placed into the internal market, the primary source of evidence-gathering are businesses involved in the manufacturing and distribution chain, so that reporting by whistleblowers has a high added value, since they are much closer to the source of possible unfair and illicitegal manufacturing, import or distribution practices of unsafe products. This warrants the introduction of whistleblower protection in relation to the safety requirements applicable both to ‘harmonised products’36 and to ‘non- harmonised products’37. Whistleblower protection is also instrumental in avoiding diversion of firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, as well as defence-related products, by encouraging the reporting of breaches, such as document fraud, altered marking or false declarations of import or export and fraudulent intra-communitarian acquisition of firearms where violations often imply a diversion from the legal to the illegal market. Whistleblower protection will also help prevent the illicitegal manufacture of homemade explosives by contributing to the correct application of restrictions and controls regarding explosives precursors. _________________ 36 The body of relevant ‘Union harmonisation legislation’ is circumscribed and listed in Regulation [XXX] laying down rules and procedures for compliance with and enforcement of Union harmonisation legislation, 2017/0353 (COD). 37 Regulated by Directive (EC) 2001/95 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 3 December 2001, on general product safety (OJ L 11, p. 4).
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 115 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
(10) Evidence-gathering, detecting and addressing environmental crimes and unlawfuillegal conduct against the protection of the environment remain a challenge and need to be reinforced as acknowledged in the Commission Communication "EU actions to improve environmental compliance and governance" of 18 January 201840. Whilst whistleblower protection rules exist at present only in one sectorial instrument on environmental protection41, the introduction of such protection appears necessary to ensure effective enforcement of the Union environmental acquis, whose breaches can cause serious harm to the public interest with possible spill-over impacts across national borders. This is also relevant in cases where unsafe products can cause environmental harm. _________________ 40 COM(2018) 10 final. COM(2018) 10 final. 41 Directive 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 12 June 2013, on safety of offshore oil and gas operations (OJ L 178, p. 66).
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 117 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
(14) The protection of privacy and personal data is another area where whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches of Union law which can seriously harm the public interest. Similar considerations apply for breaches of the Directive on the security of network and information systems45, which introduces notification of incidents (including those that do not compromise personal data) and security requirements for entities providing essential services across many sectors (e.g. energy, health, transport, banking, etc.) and providers of key digital services (e.g. cloud computing services). Whistleblowers' reporting in this area is particularly valuable to prevent security incidents that would affect key economic and social activities and widely used digital services. It helps ensuringe the continuity of services which are essential for the functioning of the internal market and the wellbeing of societycommon good. _________________ 45 Directive (EU) 2016/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 118 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) Combating the illegal trafficking in stolen cultural goods is a concern of the Union. The introduction of whistleblower protection would increase the ability of the European Commission and of the competent authorities in the Member States to detect this illegal trafficking and put an end to it.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 119 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
(17) Acts which breach the rules of corporate tax and arrangements whose purpose is to obtain a tax advantage and to evade legal obligations, defeating the object or purpose of the applicable corporate tax law, negatively affect the proper functioning of the internal market. They can give rise to unfair tax competition and extensive tax evasion, distorting the level-playing field for companies and resulting in loss of tax revenues for Member States and for the Union budget as a whole, which will have a detrimental effect on taxpayers. Whistleblower protection adds to recent Commission initiatives aimed at improving transparency and the exchange of information in the field of taxation47 and creating a fairer corporate tax environment within the Union48, with a view to increasing Member States’ effectiveness in identifying evasive and/or abusive arrangements that could otherwise go undetected and will help deter such arrangements. _________________ 47 Council Directive 2011/16/EU of 15 February 2011 on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation and repealing Directive 77/799/EEC (as amended). 48 Council Directive (EU) 2016/1164 of 12 July 2016 laying down rules against tax avoidance practices that directly affect the functioning of the internal market (as amended); Proposal for a Council Directive on a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, COM/2016/0683 final — 2016/0336; Proposal for a Council Directive on a Common Corporate Tax Base, COM/2016/0685 final — 2016/0337.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 120 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21 a (new)
(21a) This Directive shall not facilitate disclosure of confidential medical information or information covered by lawyer-client confidentiality.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 125 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
(25) Effective enforcement of Union law requires that protection is granted to the broadest possible range of categories of persons, who, irrespective of whether they are EU citizens or third-country nationals, by virtue of work-related or student activities (irrespective of the nature of these activities, whether they are paid or not), have privileged access to information about breaches that would be in the public’s interest to report and who may suffer retaliation if they report them. Member States should ensure that the need for protection is determined by reference to all the relevant circumstances and not merely by reference to the nature of the relationship, so as to cover the whole range of persons connected in a broad sense to the organisation where the breach has occurred.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 134 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
(31) Retaliation expresses the close (cause and effect) relationship that must exist between the report and the adverse treatment suffered, directly or indirectly, by the reporting person, so that this person can enjoy legal protection. Effective protection of reporting persons as a means of enhancing the enforcement of Union law requires a broad definition of retaliation, encompassing any act or omission occurring in the work-related or student context which causes them detriment.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 140 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 36
(36) Some bodies, offices and agencies of the Union, such as the European Anti- Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), have in place external channels and procedures for receiving reports on breaches falling within the scope of this Directive, which mainly provide for confidentiality of the identity of the reporting persons and of the natural persons concerned by the reports. This Directive does not affect such external reporting channels and procedures, where they exist, but will ensure that persons reporting to those bodies, offices or agencies of the Union benefit from common minimum standards of protection throughout the Union.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 143 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 40
(40) It should be clear that, in the case of private legal entities which do not provide for internal reporting channels, reporting persons should be able to report directly externally to the competent authorities and such persons should enjoy the protection against retaliation provided by this Directive.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 146 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 42
(42) Provided the confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person is ensured, it is up to each individual private and public legal entity to define the kind of reporting channels to set up, such as in person, by post, by physical complaint box(es), by telephone hotline or through an online platform (intranet or internet). However, reporting channels should not be limited to those amongst the tools, such as in-person reporting and complaint box(es), which do not guarantee confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 148 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 46
(46) In the context of internal reporting, the quality and transparency of information provided on the follow up procedure to the report is crucial to build trust in the effectiveness of the overall system of whistleblower protection and reduces the likelihood of further unnecessary reports or public disclosures. The reporting person should be informed within a reasonable timeframe about the action envisaged or taken as follow up to the report (for instance, closure based on lack of sufficient evidence or other grounds, launch of an internal enquiry and possibly its findings and/or measures taken to address the issue raised, referral to a competent authority for further investigation) as far as such information would not prejudice the enquiry or investigation or affect the rights of the concerned person. Such reasonable timeframe should not exceed in total three months. Where the appropriate follow up is still being determined, the reporting person should be informed about this and about any further feedback he/she should expect.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 152 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 49
(49) Lack of confidence in the usefulness of reporting is one of the main factors discouraging potential whistleblowers. This warrants imposing a clear obligation on competent authorities to diligently follow-up on the reports received, and, within a reasonable timeframe, give feedback to the reporting persons about the action envisaged or taken as follow-up (for instance, closure based on lack of sufficient evidence or other grounds, launch of an investigation and possibly its findings and/or measures taken to address the issue raised; referral to another authority competent to give follow- up) to the extent that such information would not prejudice the investigation or the rights of the concerned persons.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 155 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 51
(51) Where provided for under national or Union law, the competent authorities should refer cases or relevant information to relevant bodies, offices or agencies of the Union, including, for the purposes of this Directive, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor Office (EPPO), without prejudice to the possibility for the reporting person to refer directly to such bodies, offices or agencies of the UnDoes not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 157 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
(53) Dedicated staff members of the competent authorities, who are professionally trained, including on applicable data protection rules, would be necessary in order to handle reports and to ensure communication with the reporting person, as well as following up on the report in a suitable manner.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 159 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 58
(58) Protection of personal data of the reporting and concerned person is crucial in order to avoid unfair treatment or reputational damages due to disclosure of personal data, in particular data revealing the identity of a person concerned. Hence, in line with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation, hereinafter also referred to as 'GDPR'), competent authorities should establish adequate data protection procedures specifically geared to the protection of the reporting person, the concerned person and any third person referred to in the report that should include a secure system within the competent authority with restricted access rights for authorised staff only.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 160 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 60
(60) To enjoy protection, the reporting persons should reasonably believe, in light of the circumstances and the information available to them at the time of the reporting, that the matters reported by them are true. This reasonable belief should be presumed unless and until proven otherwise. This is an essential safeguard against malicious and frivolous or abusive reports, ensuring that those who deliberately and knowingly report wrong or misleading information do not enjoy protection. At the same time, it ensures that protection is not lost where the reporting person made an inaccurate report in honest error. In a similar vein, reporting persons should be entitled to protection under this Directive if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the information reported falls within its scope.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 162 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 61
(61) The requirement of a tiered use of reporting channels, as a general rule, is necessary to ensure that the information gets to the persons who can contribute to the early and effective resolution of risks to the public interest as well as to prevent unjustified reputational damage from public disclosure. At the same time, some exceptions to its application are necessary, allowing the reporting person to choose the most appropriate channel depending on the individual circumstances of the case. Moreover, it is necessary to protect public disclosures taking into account democratic principles such as transparency and accountability, and fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and media freedom, whilst balancing the interest of employers to manage their organisations and to protect their interests with the interest of the public to be protected from harm, in line with the criteria developed in the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights57. _________________ 57 One of the criteria for determining whether retaliation against whistleblowers making public disclosures interferes with freedom of expression in a way which is not necessary in a democratic society, is whether the persons who made the disclosure had at their disposal alternative channels for making the disclosure; see, for instance, Guja v. Moldova [GC], no 14277/04, ECHR 2008.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 165 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 62
(62) As a rule, reporting persons should first use the internal channels at their disposal and report to their employer. However, it may be the case that internal channels do not exist (in case of entities which are not under an obligation to establish such channels by virtue of this Directive or applicable national law) or that their use is not mandatory (which may be the case for persons who are not in an employment relationship), or that they were used but did not function properly (for instance the report was not dealt with diligently or within a reasonable timeframe, or no action was taken to address the breach of law despite the positive results of the enquiry).Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 167 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 63
(63) In other cases, internal channels could not reasonably be expected to function properly, for instance, where the reporting persons have valid reasons to believe that they would suffer retaliation in connection with the reporting; that their confidentiality would not be protected; that the ultimate responsibility holder within the work-related context is involved in the breach; that the breach might be concealed; that evidence may be concealed or destroyed; that the effectiveness of investigative actions by competent authorities might be jeopardised or that urgent action is required (for instance because of an imminent risk of a substantial and specific danger to the life, health and safety of persons, or to the environment. In all such cases, persons reporting externally to the competent authorities and, where relevant, to bodies, offices or agencies of the Union shall be protected. Moreover, protection is also to be granted in cases where Union legislation allows for the reporting person to report directly to the competent national authorities or bodies, offices or agencies of the Union, for example in the context of fraud against the Union budget, prevention and detection of money laundering and terrorist financing or in the area of financial services.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 168 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 64
(64) Persons making a public disclosure directly should also qualify for protection in cases where a breach remains unaddressed (for example, it was not properly assessed or investigated or no remedial action was taken) despite having been reported internally and/or externally following a tiered use of available channels; or in cases where reporting persons have valid reasons to believe that there is collusion between the perpetrator of the breach and the competent authority is reasonably suspected , that evidence may be concealed or destroyed, or that the effectiveness of investigative actions by competent authorities might be jeopardised; or in cases of imminent and manifest danger for the public interest, or where there is a risk of irreversible damage, including, inter alia, harm to physical integrity.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 169 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 65
(65) Reporting persons should be protected against any form of retaliation, whether direct or indirect, taken by their employer or customer/recipient of services and by persons working for or acting on behalf of the latter, including co-workers and managers in the same organisation or in other organisations with which the reporting person is in contact in the context of his/her work-related activities, where retaliation is recommended or tolerated by the concerned person. Protection should be provided against retaliatory measures taken vis-à-vis the reporting person him/herself but also those that may be taken vis-à-vis the legal entity he/she represents, such as denial of provision of services, blacklisting or business boycotting. Indirect retaliation also includes actions taken against relatives of the reporting person who are also in a work-related connection with the latter’s employer or customer/recipient of services and workers’ representatives who have provided support to the reporting persDoes not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 171 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 68
(68) Under certain national frameworks and in certain cases, reporting persons suffering retaliation may benefit from forms of certification of the fact that they meet the conditions of the applicable rules. Notwithstanding such possibilities, they should have effective access to judicial review, whereby it falls upon the courts to decide, based on all the individual circumstances of the case, whether they meet the conditions of the applicable rules.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 173 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 70
(70) Retaliatory measures are likely to be presented as being justified on grounds other than the reporting and it can be very difficult for reporting persons to prove the link between the two, whilst the perpetrators of retaliation may have greater power and resources to document the action taken and the reasoning. Therefore, once the reporting person demonstrates prima facie that he/she made a report or disclosure in line with this Directive and suffered a detriment, the burden of proof should shift to the person who took the detrimental action, who should then demonstrate that their the action taken was not linked in any way to the reporting or the disclosure.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 174 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 71
(71) Beyond an explicit prohibition of retaliation provided in law, it is crucial that reporting persons who do suffer retaliation have access to legal remedies. The appropriate remedy in each case will be determined by the kind of retaliation suffered. It may take the form of actions for reinstatement (for instance, in case of dismissal, transfer or demotion, or of withholding of training or promotion) or for restauration of a cancelled permit, licence or contract; compensation for actual and future financial losses (for lost past wages, but also for future loss of income, costs linked to a change of occupation); compensation for other economic damage such as legal expenses and costs of medical treatment, and for intangible damage (pain and suffering).Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 175 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 73
(73) Of particular importance for reporting persons are interim remedies pending the resolution of legal proceedings that can be protracted. Interim relief can be in particular necessary in order to stop threats, attempts or continuing acts of retaliation, such as harassment at the workplace, or to prevent forms of retaliation such as dismissal, which might be difficult to reverse after the lapse of lengthy periods and which can ruin financially the individual — a perspective which can seriously discourage potential whistleblowers.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 176 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 74
(74) Action taken against reporting persons outside the work-related context, through proceedings, for instance, related to defamation, breach of copyright, trade secrets, confidentiality and personal data protection, or through interference in their studies, can also pose a serious deterrent to whistleblowing. Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council58 exempts reporting persons from the civil redress measures, procedures and remedies it provides for, in case the alleged acquisition, use or disclosure of the trade secret was carried out for revealing misconduct, wrongdoing or illegal activity, provided that the respondent acted for the purpose of protecting the general public interest. Also in other proceedings, reporting persons should be able to rely on having made a report or disclosure in accordance with this Directive as a defence. In such cases, the person initiating the proceedings should carry the burden to prove any intent on the part of the reporting person to violate the law. _________________ 58 Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on the protection of undisclosed know-how and business information (trade secrets) against their unlawful acquisition, use and disclosure (OJ L 157, 15.6.2016, p. 1).
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 177 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 75
(75) A significant cost for reporting persons contesting retaliation measures taken against them in legal proceedings can be the relevant legal fees. Although they could recover these fees at the end of the proceedings, they might not be able to cover them up front, especially if they are unemployed and blacklisted. Assistance for criminal legal proceedings, particularly in accordance with the provisions of Directive (EU) 2016/1919 of the European Parliament and of the Council59and more generally support to those who are in serious financial need might be key, in certain cases, for the effective enforcement of their rights to protection. _________________ 59 Directive (EU) 2016/1919 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on legal aid for suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings and for requested persons in European arrest warrant proceedings (OJ L 297 4.11.2016, p. 1).Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 180 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 78
(78) Penalties are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the rules on whistleblower protection. Penalties against those who take retaliatory or other adverse actions against reporting persons can discourage further such actions. Penalties against persons who make a report or disclosure demonstrated to be knowingly false are necessary to deter further malicious reporting and preserve the credibility of the system. The proportionality of such penalties should ensure that they do not have a dissuasive effect on potential whistleblowers.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 181 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 80
(80) This Directive introduces minimum standards and Member States should have the power to introduce or maintain more favourable provisions to the reporting person, provided that such provisions do not interfere with the measures for the protection of concerned persons.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 189 #
Proposal for a directive
Article premier – paragraph 2
2. Where specific rules on the reporting of breaches are provided for in sector-specific Union acts listed in Part 2 of the Annex, those rules shall apply. The provisions of this Directive shall be applicable for all matters relating to the protection of reporting persons not regulated in those sector-specific Union acts.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 190 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. This Directive shall apply to reportingnatural or legal persons working in the private or public sector who acquired in a direct manner information on breaches in a work-related context and disclose said information, including, at least, the following:
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 192 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) shareholders and persons belonging to the management body of an undertaking, including non-executive members, as well as volunteers and unpaid trainees;
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 193 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) volunteers, students and trainees (paid or unpaid) who have a relationship with the enterprise or institution that breaches Union law;
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 195 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. This Directive shall also apply to reporting persons whose work-based relationship is yet to begin in cases where information concerning a breach has been acquired during the recruitment process or other pre-contractual negotiat(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 197 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘breaches’ means actual or potential unlawfuillegal activities or abuse of law relating to the Union acts and areas falling within the scope referred to in Article 1 and in the Annex;
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 199 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘report’ means the provision of information relating to a breach which has occurred or is likely to occur in the organisation at which the reporting person works or has worked or in another organisation with which he or she is or was in contact through his or her work;Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 201 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 9
(9) ‘reporting person’ means a natural or legal person who reports or discloses information on breaches acquired in the context of his or her work-related activities;Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 202 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12
(12) ‘retaliation’ means any threatened or actual act or omission prompted by the internal or external reporting which occurs in a work-related context or during his or her studies and causes or may cause unjustified detriment to the reporting person;
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 218 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) channels for receiving the reports which are designed, set up and operated in a manner that ensures the confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person and of the natural persons concerned by the report and prevents access to non- authorised staff members;
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 222 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) a reasonable timeframe, not exceeding three months following the report, to provide feedback to the reporting person about the follow-up to the report;Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 229 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. The person or department referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 may be the same person who is competent for receiving the reports. Additional persons may be designated as “trusted persons” from whom reporting persons and those considering reporting may seek confidential advice.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 234 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) establish independent and autonomous external reporting channels, which are both secure and ensure confidentiality, for receiving and handling information provided by the reporting pDoes not affect the English version;.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 236 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) give feedback to the reporting person about the follow-up of the report within a reasonable timeframe not exceeding three months or six months in duly justified cases;Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 240 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that competent authorities follow up on the reports by taking the necessary measures and investigate, to the extent appropriate, the subject-matter of the reports. The competent authorities shall communicate to the reporting person the final outcome of the investigat(Does not affect the English versions.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 242 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall ensure that any authority which has received a report but does not have the competence to address the breach reported transmits it to the competent authority and that the reporting person is informed.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 248 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall establish procedures to ensure that, where a report being initially addressed to a person who has not been designated as responsible handler for reports, that person is refrained from disclosing any information that might identify the reporting or the concerned person or the natural persons concerned by the report.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 251 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) maintaining contact with the reporting person for the purpose of informing the reporting person of the progress and the outcome of the investigatDoes not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 253 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the manner in which the competent authority may require the reporting person to clarify the information reported or to provide additional information that is available to the reporting person;Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 256 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) a reasonable timeframe, not exceeding three months or six months in duly justified cases, for giving feed-back to the reporting person about the follow-up of the report and the type and content of this feed-back;Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 258 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the confidentiality regime applicable to reports, including a detailed description of the circumstances under which the confidential data of a reporting person may be disclosed.Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 261 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. The detailed description referred to in point (c) of paragraph 1 must be written in clear and easy to understand language and be easily accessible to the reporting p(Does not affect the English versions.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 262 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the conditions under which reporting persons qualify for protection under this Directive;Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 264 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. Competent authorities shall promptly acknowledge the receipt of written reports to the postal or electronic address indicated by the reporting person, unless the reporting person explicitly requested otherwise or the competent authority reasonably believes that acknowledging receipt of a written report would jeopardise the protection of the reporting person’s identity.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 265 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Where a recorded telephone line is used for reporting, subject to the consent of the reporting person, the competent authority shall have the right to document the oral reporting in one of the following ways:(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 266 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
The competent authority shall offer the possibility to the reporting person to check, rectify and agree the transcript of the call by signing it.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 268 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 4
4. Where an unrecorded telephone line is used for reporting, the competent authority shall have the right to document the oral reporting in the form of accurate minutes of the con(Does not affect the English versation prepared by the dedicated staff members. The competent authority shall offer the possibility to the reporting person to check, rectify and agree with the minutes of the call by signing them.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 269 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
The competent authority shall offer the possibility to the reporting person to check, rectify and agree with the minutes of the meeting by signing them.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 270 #
Proposal for a directive
Chapter 4 – title
PROTECTION OF REPORTING AND CONCERNED PERSONS(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 271 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – title
Conditions for the protection of reporting p(Does not affect the English versions.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 273 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. A reporting person shall qualify for protection under this Directive provided he or she has reasonable grounds to believe that the information reported was true at the time of reporting and that this information falls within the scope of this Directive.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 277 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) internal reporting channels were not available for the reporting person or the reporting person could not reasonably be expected to be aware of the availability of such channels;Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 278 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the use of internal reporting channels was not mandatory for the reporting person, in accordance with Article 4(2);Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 285 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – title
Prohibition of retaliation against reporting p(Does not affect the English versions.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 287 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Member States shall take the necessary measures to prohibit any form of retaliation, whether direct or indirect, against reporting persons meeting the conditions set out in Article 13, including in particular in the form of:(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 288 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) withholding of training or interference in studies;
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 290 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – title
Measures for the protection of reporting persons against retaliat(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 291 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of reporting persons meeting the conditions set out in Article 13 against retaliation. Such measures shall include, in particular, those set out in paragraphs 2 to 8.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 292 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. Reporting persons shall have access to effective assistance from competent authorities before any relevant authority involved in their protection against retaliation, including, where provided for under national law, certification of the fact that they qualify for protection under this Directive.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 295 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 5
5. In judicial proceedings relating to a detriment suffered by the reporting person, and subject to him or her providing reasonable grounds to believe that the detriment was in retaliation for having made the report or disclosure, it shall be for the person who has taken the retaliatory measure to prove that the detriment was not a consequence of the report but was exclusively based on duly justified grounds.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 296 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 6
6. Reporting persons shall have access to remedial measures against retaliation as appropriate, including interim relief pending the resolution of legal proceedings, in accordance with the national framework.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 297 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 7
7. In addition to the exemption from measures, procedures and remedies provided for in Directive (EU) 2016/943, in judicial proceedings, including for defamation, breach of copyright, breach of secrecy or for compensation requests based on private, public, or on collective labour law, reporting persons shall have the right to rely on having made a report or disclosure in accordance with this Directive to seek dismissal.(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 298 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 8
8. In addition to providing legal aid to reporting persons in criminal and in cross- border civil proceedings in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/1919 and Directive 2008/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council63, and in accordance with national law, Member States may provide for further measures of legal and financial assistance and support for reporting persons in the framework of legal proceedings. _________________ 63 Directive 2008/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on certain aspects of mediation in civil and commercial matters (OJ L 136, 24.5.2008, p. 3).(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 301 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – title
PCriminal penalties
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 302 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall provide for effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties applicable to natural or legal persons that:
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 303 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) take retaliatory measures against reporting pDoes not affect the English versions;.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 304 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) bring vexatious proceedings against reporting pDoes not affect the English versions;.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 305 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) breach the duty of maintaining the confidentiality of the identity of reporting persons or of natural persons concerned by the report.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 308 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall provide for effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties applicable to persons makingwho: (a) make malicious or abusive reports or disclosures, including measures for compensating persons who have suffered damage from malicious or abusive reports or disclosures; (b) spread false information claiming to have been so informed by a whistleblower.
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT
Amendment 311 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Member States may introduce or retain provisions more favourable to the rights of the reporting persons than those set out in this Directive, without prejudice to Article 16 and Article 17(2).(Does not affect the English version.)
2018/07/12
Committee: CULT