Link to release JURI Press release - Citizens' rights / Competition − 15-12-2015 - 16:34 New rules to help businesses obtain legal redress against the theft or misuse of their trade secrets were informally agreed by Parliament and Council negotiators on Tuesday. MEPs ensured that freedom of expression and information will be protected and that the new rules will not restrict the work of journalists. "The agreement reached today with the Council faithfully reflects the balanced position that we, MEPs on the legal affairs committee, adopted by a very large majority. Our priorities have been met in full by the Council: protection of the fundamental freedoms of opinion, of expression and of the press, which concerns both journalists and whistleblowers, and preservation of workers' mobility,” said the rapporteur, Constance Le Grip (EPP, FR). The rules will introduce an EU-wide definition of trade secrets and oblige member states to ensure that victims of the misuse of