About us
The Project
The VoiceGuard: Whistleblower Empowerment & Support Initiative is a pan-European project dedicated to strengthening the protection and support of whistleblowers across the European Union, in line with the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive (2019/1937). VoiceGuard bridges the gaps and inconsistencies in existing national frameworks by providing a unified, EU-wide support system offering legal, psychological, and practical assistance, including a 24-hour hotline, secure reporting channels, and confidential resources.
The initiative also delivers training and capacity-building programs for compliance officers, legal professionals, HR managers, policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders to help embed strong whistleblower protection mechanisms within their organizations. By integrating emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain, VoiceGuard ensures the highest standards of security, confidentiality, and trust. With a gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory approach, and by fostering cross-border cooperation, VoiceGuard sets a new benchmark for transparency, accountability, and ethical governance throughout the EU.
Why
Although the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive (2019/1937) has laid an important foundation for safeguarding those who speak up, many whistleblowers across Europe still face serious challenges. Reporting procedures remain complex, poorly understood, and inconsistently applied from one member state to another. In many countries, transposition of the directive into national law has been slow, resulting in a fragmented and uneven system of protection.
Cultural and societal barriers further complicate the situation as whistleblowers are often stigmatized, facing retaliation, isolation, or being seen as disloyal rather than as defenders of public interest. This can lead to high levels of stress and mental health struggles, yet access to psychological and emotional support remains limited. At the same time, there is a lack of centralized practical assistance, including secure communication channels, financial aid for legal procedures, and clear guidance through the reporting process. Additionally, women whistleblowers often face greater risks of retaliation and have fewer resources available to them. VoiceGuard recognizes that gender-sensitive, inclusive, and non-discriminatory support is vital to ensure equal access to protection for everyone, regardless of gender or ability.
