Whistleblower Directive

With the aim of promoting compliance with the law applicable in the European Union, the 'Whistleblower Directive' was adopted (Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law). The Directive stipulates the establishment of reporting channels for tip-offs and information suggesting a breach of Union law.

In particular, the aim is to provide tip-offs and information on possible breaches in the following areas:

  • Public procurement
  • Money laundering
  • Financing terrorism
  • Consumer protection
  • Protection of privacy
  • Data security
  • Environmental protection
  • Network and information systems security
  • Finance services
  • Corporate tax regulations
  • Infringements of the EU’s financial interests under Article 325 TFEU
  • Internal market rules within the meaning of Article 26(2) TFEU and rules on competition
  • Product safety
  • Traffic safety
  • Nuclear safety
  • Safety of food and feed
  • Animal health and welfare
  • Public health

 

There are several ways for you to do this; no one way is better than another:
 

You can send us your tip-offs and information anonymously using the form below. Of course, we will also follow up on an anonymous report and – if appropriate – take all necessary steps.

If you would prefer to send us your tip-offs and information without being anonymous, please use the email address provided for this purpose: compliance@vng-handel.de

Please note that even if you contact us from a personal account, your information will be treated as strictly confidential. Access to this email inbox is restricted to only a few people. Follow-up measures are initiated only by the Compliance department.

If you provide information without being anonymous, the Directive protects you against reprisals, so please provide information that is as comprehensive and exhaustive as possible. You will also receive updates on the progress and conclusion of the procedure if you choose not to be anonymous. 

In addition to the channels described above, you can also contact the competent authorities and, where appropriate, institutions, bodies or agencies of the European Union. The protection against reprisals also applies if you contact an external body directly. The competent authorities are still to be appointed by the Member States.

Anonymous compliance tip-offs & reports: