Homecoming for Wandering Dutch Whistle-blowers?

Abstract

In many European countries, whistle-blowers are perceived in a negative light. However, whistle-blowers have increasingly played a critical role in the recent disclosure of covert governmental programmes, private sector economic criminal offenses and redesigned risk management strategies. Real change requires effective legal shielding for whistle-blowers. Most legal frameworks in Europe fall short of providing genuine legal protection due to reluctant public authorities and private sector actors. The exception proves the rule, as currently illustrated in The Netherlands. A group of MPs is creating a House for wandering Dutch whistle-blowers, but runs the risk of ‘design failures’ by not actively seeking valuable ‘construction advice’.