“The main effect of the [Whistleblower] Directive is prevention”, says Czech whistleblower Pavel Kodym

In a video message recorded exclusively for the European Whistleblowing Institute in honor of World Whistleblower Day, Czech whistleblower Pavel Kodym recognizes the importance of the Whistleblower Directive but cautions that its results have yet "to be proven".

Kodym's case started when he sent a letter to the European Commission highlighting a suspicious transaction between the state and České dráhy (“Czech Railways”), which resulted in his reappointment as Director of the Office for Access to Transport Infrastructure being withdrawn. A higher court in the Czech Republic ruled in his favor, confirming his status and rights under the EU Directive. The Supreme Administrative Court upheld the judgment of the Prague City Court, confirming that Kodym was subjected to a retaliatory measure when his reappointment was withdrawn.

That is why he raises the alarm on sanctions against whistleblowers, saying that people are not protected. And that is why the Whistleblower Directive must meet one of its main functions: deterrence.