Whistleblower Protection Act

The Whistleblower Protection Act (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 16/23; hereinafter: ZZPri), effective as of February 22, 2023, comprehensively and systematically regulates the reporting and handling of violations observed in the workplace, as well as the protection of whistleblowers against retaliatory actions by employers.

The Act introduces a system for establishing internal and external channels for reporting violations of all regulations applicable in the Republic of Slovenia, which individuals become aware of in the course of their work environment. It also provides protective and supportive measures to prevent or mitigate retaliation experienced by whistleblowers as a result of their reports.

This framework ensures a safer and more transparent environment for addressing workplace violations while safeguarding whistleblowers’ rights and well-being.

Who is a Whistleblower Protected under ZZPri?

Who is a Whistleblower under ZZPri?

A whistleblower is a natural person who reports or publicly discloses information about a violation obtained within their work environment.

Work Environment

The work environment refers to a current or past employment or similar relationship in the private or public sector, within which an individual obtains information about a violation and where they might face retaliatory actions if they report the violation.

Employment and Similar Relationships

Employment and similar relationships include traditional employment relationships as well as:

  • Volunteering
  • Internships
  • Apprenticeships
  • Contract work
  • Student work
  • Participation in recruitment processes as a candidate
  • Performing a function, executing rights, tasks, or powers as a shareholder, or as a member of a supervisory or management body of an entity
  • Any other collaboration in the activities of a legal or natural person carried out by self-employed individuals based on a contract
  • Work performed under the supervision and direction of external contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers

This applies regardless of compensation or whether the relationship has ended, is ongoing, or is being established through recruitment or pre-contract negotiations.

Protection under ZZPri

A whistleblower is entitled to protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act (ZZPri) if:

  • They reasonably believed that the reported information about violations was true at the time of reporting.
  • They submitted an internal report, an external report, or publicly disclosed information about the violation in accordance with the provisions of ZZPri.

REGULATION

Regulation on the Establishment of Internal Channels for Reporting Violations and Whistleblower Protection

You can find the regulation on the establishment of internal channels for reporting violations of regulations and the protection of whistleblowers at the following link:

https://odip.kopa.si/Documents/Id/c93d16dc-3a82-4545-b0a9-536fc5c37136

REPORT

Submitting a Report

You can submit a report using the form available at the following link:

https://odip.kopa.si/Documents/Id/e2dbe20b-2dc1-4638-9449-5b9fab35a409

Submission Methods:

  1. Email: Send your completed form to prijava.krsitve@kopa.si.
  2. Mail: Address your form to:
    KOPA D.D.
    Kidričeva ulica 14,
    2380 Slovenj Gradec
    Mark the envelope with: “To the Confidential Officer for Internal Reporting of Violations”.
  3. In-person Submission: Submit your form directly to the designated confidential officer.

All reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.