Major recent whistleblowing affairs like LuxLeaks have sparked a debate in Europe about not only the content, but also the methods, of the disclosures involved. Some whistleblowers have faced criticism and even legal action - all against the backdrop of a legal landscape in Europe with widely varying national rules and regulations governing whistleblowing. Seeking to harmonize law across the EU while encouraging responsible and effective whistleblowing, the EC earlier this year adopted a directive for member states to enact comprehensive legislation that helps public and privatesector insiders report EU law violations by establishing formal procedures for whistleblowing and protections for those who use them. In this article, we look at what the EC’s directive might mean for whistleblowers and their employers within the context of the current patchwork of regulations in several CEE jurisdictions.

Yes, they can. But in practice they mostly don't - 66 % of suppliers get chosen, just because they are the cheapest. This EU-wide analysis provides a novel insight into real supplier selection processes.