The Network of European Integrity and Whistleblowing Authorities (NEIWA) was founded in May 2019 in The Hague and includes 22 member states of the European Union and one EU candidate, Montenegro, a total of 36 relevant anti-corruption institutions, with the aim of creating a platform for cooperation, exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of integrity and whistleblowing, with a special focus on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/1937.

The EU directive on the protection of persons reporting violations of Union rights 2019/1937 entered into force on December 16, 2019. It establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of whistleblowers in order to preserve the public interest at the European level, establishes easily accessible channels for submitting reports, emphasizes the obligations of identity protection and prohibition of harming whistleblowers, and establishes targeted protection measures.

Through the Agency, Montenegro has established a legislative framework and practice in the area of ​​whistle-blowing, in accordance with the Directive, and as a member, shares experiences with EU member states that are still in the process of establishing a legislative framework for that area.

Montenegro became a full member of NEIWE in March 2023 at the eighth plenary session of this organization in Rome, where it previously had observer status.