Poland Implements Whistleblower Protection Laws as EU Directive Takes Effect

As of June 24, Poland’s Whistleblower Protection Act has been published in the Journal of Laws, marking a significant step towards strengthening whistleblower rights across the nation. This development is a direct result of Poland’s implementation of the EU Whistleblower Directive (EU Directive 2019/1937), aimed at protecting whistleblowers and fostering a culture of transparency.

Key Provisions

• All companies with over 50 employees will be required to implement an internal reporting policy by September 25, 2023.
• Public bodies have been given more time to adapt to the new regulations, with a deadline of December 25, 2023, six months after publication.

Benefits of the Whistleblower Protection Act

The Whistleblower Protection Act is expected to provide a safe and secure environment for individuals to report wrongdoing or potential harm within their organizations without fear of retaliation. This will lead to:

• Enhanced corporate transparency and accountability
• Improved detection and prevention of fraud, corruption, and other illegal activities
• Increased trust between employees, management, and stakeholders

Guide to Navigating the New Regulations

To help businesses navigate the new regulations, our Polish team has produced an in-depth guide detailing the scope of reportable cases and internal reporting procedures. For further information, please visit [insert link].

In summary, Poland’s Whistleblower Protection Act represents a major step forward for corporate transparency and accountability in the country. By implementing the EU Whistleblower Directive, Poland is demonstrating its commitment to protecting whistleblowers and fostering a culture of transparency.