Clear guidelines for maximum integrity

We are aware that EWE bears a particularly high degree of responsibility in the regions in which it operates, and is therefore in the public eye. The integrity and high transparency of business processes are fundamental to business success. Accordingly, compliance is a core topic and is consistently implemented throughout the company.

We consider compliance to not only be the strict adherence to all laws and regulations, but also that our actions are consistent with the principles of sustainability, fairness and safety, as well as the values of our corporate culture. These principles are set out in the EWE Code of Conduct, which forms the overarching framework of rules for all action taken within the Group.

Our EWE Code of Conduct

We bear responsibility as part of society

EWE bears social responsibility. This results in the full observance and adherence to legislation for all business decisions. Our responsibility as part of society is reflected in the EWE Code of Conduct.

We bear responsibility in our business relations

We owe our success to the high quality of our products and services. We categorically reject all transactions resulting from dubious business practices. Our Code of Conduct reflects this responsibility as a company that works in partnerships.

We bear responsibility at work

EWE protects the health of all its employees and ensures their safety. In addition to personal safety, we safeguard the personal data entrusted to us. The same applies to EWE's expertise and company property.

EWE Code of Conduct (pdf, 4,3 MB)

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The EWE Code of Conduct for PartnersThe EWE Code of Conduct for Partners

EWE also adheres to transparent principles when it comes to cooperation with our business partners. These are defined in the Code of Conduct for Partners.

Code of Conduct for Suppliers (pdf, 78 KB)

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Declaration on Human Rights

We view the preservation of human rights as a vital component of our corporate responsibility and commit to observing and maintaining them. To do that, we rely on international human rights reference instruments and frameworks. The declaration on human rights adopted by the company's management presents our efforts to the public.

Declaration on Human Rights (pdf, 293 KB)

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Whistleblower system

EWE relies on the support of its employees and contract partners to observe laws and internal regulations. Infringements must be disclosed to avoid possible damage to the company and to protect employees and third parties. At EWE, all employees are responsible for reporting risks or violations of laws and internal regulations. In addition, we expressly encourage our customers and business partners as well as other third parties to report violations, abnormalities and risks.

The contact point for whistleblowers is the Group's compliance organisation as well as an external ombudsperson. Through their function as lawyer, the ombudsperson ensures the anonymity of the whistleblower upon request. Because of this position, they are bound to confidentiality and may only provide anonymous information to review the specific case.
EWE ensures that all reports provided in good faith will be handled in a confidential and respectful manner. Whistleblowers will be protected from possible reprisals.

The whistleblower system also serves as a complaints office in accordance with the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (LkSG). It thus also makes it possible to report human rights or environmental risks as well as breaches of obligations related to human rights or the environment resulting from EWE's own business activities or those of a direct or secondary supplier of EWE. The rules of procedure can be downloaded here.

Rules of procedure (pdf, 129 KB)

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