A New Authority Takes Shape in Spain: The Independent Authority for the Protection of Whistleblowers (AIPI)
Whistleblower protection body announcement by the government: commencement on September 1st
The Spanish Government has taken a significant step towards enhancing transparency and combating corruption by approving the appointment of Manuel Villoria Mendieta as the president of the Independent Authority for the Protection of Whistleblowers (AIPI) in April.
Manuel Villoria, an expert in transparency and public administration, is a professor of Political Science and Administration at the Rey Juan Carlos University. He holds a degree in Law and Philosophy and Letters, and a doctorate in Political Science and Administration from the Complutense University.
The AIPI, part of the Action Plan for Democracy announced by the Government, is set to start operating on September 1, 2025. Its primary role is to protect those who report "normative infringements and any case of corruption." It will manage the External Reporting Channel, provide protection and support to whistleblowers, initiate and resolve sanctioning procedures, issue circulars and recommendations, and develop public sector crime prevention models.
The AIPI will operate with full autonomy and independence, yet it will be organizationally and budgetarily registered in the Ministry until it has its own budget. The Government will support the authority in several areas, including human resources, infrastructure, logistics, contracting, economic management, computer equipment, communication networks, and website creation, until November 1, 2025.
The Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts has published a ministerial order regarding the authority in the Official State Gazette (BOE). The AIPI's creation was announced by Minister Félix Bolañós in October 2024.
Employers have a two-month window to provide the Authority with information on who is designated to operate their internal whistleblowing reporting channels, with submissions due by November 1, 2025. The date of September 1, 2025, was set to provide legal certainty and security to whistleblowers, obligated entities, and interested parties.
As the AIPI gears up for its launch, it is expected to play a crucial role in fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in Spain, thereby contributing to a more corruption-free society.
[1] The Independent Authority for the Protection of Whistleblowers (AIPI) will issue circulars and recommendations to guide best practices in whistleblower protection and compliance. These models may influence private sector compliance standards, contributing to a broader anti-corruption agenda.
[2] Following the commencement of the AIPI's operations on September 1, 2025, employers have a two-month window to provide the Authority with information on who is designated to operate their internal whistleblowing reporting channels. Submissions are due by November 1, 2025.
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