Whistleblower law in Austria #
Austria transposed EU Directive 2019/1937 through the HinweisgeberInnenschutzgesetz (HSchG), which entered into force on February 25, 2023. Employers with 50 or more employees must operate an internal whistleblower reporting channel.
Law #
HinweisgeberInnenschutzgesetz (HSchG) — entered into force February 25, 2023.
Who must comply #
Employers with 50+ employees. Deadline was August 25, 2023 (250+ employees) and December 17, 2023 (50–249 employees). Source: Baker McKenzie
Penalties #
- Obstructing whistleblowers, violating confidentiality, or knowingly making a false report: fines up to €20,000 (€40,000 for repeat offences). Source: CMS Expert Guide
- No fine for failing to establish an internal reporting channel. Source: Wolf Theiss
Enforcement #
Federal Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAK).