Moreover, awareness campaigns empower citizens by ensuring that they are well versed in their rights and responsibilities when reporting corruption. In line with this effort, the government of Albania has taken measures outlined in the“National Action Plan 2023-2025” 23F 24 to enhance awareness and educate the general public about mechanisms in the fight against corruption. By making the legal framework easily comprehensible and accessible, potential whistleblowers can confidently engage in the reporting process. A notable example comes from Serbia, where the law mandates employers to post internal whistleblowing policy in visible locations. 24F 25 The subsequent section will explore the advantages of adopting a confidential advice service for potential whistleblowers. IV. Confidential Advice Service for Potential Whistleblowers The current low number of reported whistleblower cases in Albania highlights the critical need for an effective and accessible advice service that empowers potential whistleblowers. While the HIDAACI provides instructions on internal and external whistleblowing mechanisms, 25F 26 no other legal framework exists offering support to potential whistleblowers. In contrast, the Council of Europe emphasizes the importance of access to confidential advice for individuals who have encountered wrongdoing in the workplace. 26F 27 Such an advisory service operates as a pivotal intermediary step that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of whistleblowing processes. The confidential advice service would provide a safe and discreet platform for potential whistleblowers to seek guidance. When employees face a situation where they have witnessed suspected corrupt acts or practices, they often grapple with uncertainty about how to proceed. This is particularly valuable in a context where the intricacies of whistleblowing might be unclear or intimidating. Such a service “ensures that the information gets to the right person or body at the right time and helps protect the whistleblower and assist the employer and the public by ensuring that the report is made responsibly.” 27F 28 This streamlines the process and increases the likelihood that timely action will be taken to address the reported issues, minimizing potential harm or negative consequences. Importantly, the Confidential Advice Service protects the whistleblower’s interests. Whistleblowers often fear retaliation or backlash from their actions. 64.2% of those surveyed fear retaliation in the case of reporting a suspected corruption act or 24 Open Government Partnership, Albania 2023-2025 National Action Plan, March 2023. 25 Terracol, Marie. 2018. A Best Practice Guide for Whistleblowing Legislation. Berlin: Transparency International. 26 Law No. 60/2016 on“Whistleblowing and Whistleblower Protection”, Article 21. Parliament of Albania. 27 Council of Europe. October 2014. Protection of Whistleblowers: Recommendation CM/Rec(2014)7 and explanatory memorandum, Principle 28. 28 Ibid. A KEY STEP IN EFFECTIVELY FIGHTING CORRUPTION | 7