Michael McGrath, Ireland’s candidate for the European Commission, has received confirmation after a three-hour grilling during a hearing earlier today, as reported by RTÉ News. The backing for his nomination as the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law comes from most of the major political groups, with only the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations and the Patriots group withholding their support. This endorsement grants McGrath a solid two-thirds majority from the key committee coordinators.
In his remarks to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), McGrath emphasized a significant commitment to safeguarding minors from online dangers should he secure the Commissioner role. He argued that in light of the current geopolitical landscape, “it is imperative to uphold and advocate for the values that position the EU as a symbol of peace and hope—values like democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.”
During his discussions with various committee members, he expressed admiration for Nobel Laureate John Hume, noting, “He was an inspiration during my formative years. As a peacemaker and as a parliament member for 25 years, he exemplified the values I hold dear.” McGrath assured the MEPs that he would amplify the voices of the people they represent.
Beginning his address to the committee, McGrath conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Spanish legislators affected by the recent tragedy in Valencia, stating, “Our hearts are with you in this profound time of loss.” He outlined the urgent need to maintain the integrity of electoral processes and ensure the safety of candidates amid growing threats. “Undue pressure must be avoided, especially for female candidates who often face amplified abuse driven by misogynistic stereotypes,” he explained.
McGrath characterized the rule of law as a cornerstone that supports thriving democracies, safeguards individual rights, and fosters prosperous societies. “It’s central to our union of equality and opportunity,” he said, recognizing the EU’s democratic practices as “a work in progress.” He identified potential risks surrounding the upcoming European elections, citing concerns over misinformation and AI-fueled manipulative techniques. “The smooth execution of previous elections is commendable but should never be taken for granted,” McGrath asserted.
He pledged to enhance the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) during his tenure, focusing notably on cross-border serious crime. “I will advocate for robust collaboration between EPPO, Eurojust, Europol, and OLAF—the EU’s anti-fraud agency,” he vowed. Additionally, McGrath proposed a Digital Fairness Act aimed at bolstering consumer protections, particularly for children. “Our goal is to shield consumers from exploitation and ensure that social media influencers are held accountable, particularly when it comes to how they impact our children,” he remarked, addressing issues related to manipulative marketing and addictive design in digital products.
When discussing journalist safety, McGrath emphasized the importance of revising existing laws like the European Media Freedom Act to protect media professionals. This revision would include supporting swift legislation against abusive lawsuits aimed at journalists, referred to as anti-SLAPP measures. He firmly stated, “Freedom of expression is a right, but it is not without limitations.” According to him, striking a balance is essential to avoid tolerating hate speech or any criminal activities that could affect EU citizens’ rights.
In a response to a right-wing Polish MEP regarding EU rule of law actions affecting Central and Eastern European states, McGrath insisted on a fair application of the rule of law. “I approach this with impartiality, ready to make evidence-based decisions without preconceptions,” he clarified, but cautioned that he would take decisive action to uphold the rule of law across all EU member states.
For Ireland, McGrath acknowledged its significant opt-outs from EU justice laws but affirmed the intention to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office ahead of Ireland’s EU presidency in 2026. He observed, “We have taken steps toward aligning our common law system with EU frameworks wherever feasible.”
When questioned by a Belgian MEP about creating consistent definitions for serious crimes like rape across the EU, McGrath pointed out that, while the Violence Against Women Directive has been adopted, a universally accepted definition of rape remains elusive. Nonetheless, he emphasized the need for uniformity in approaches to consent and gender-based violence as major priorities.
McGrath also addressed concerns regarding the online safety of minors, promising action against addictive digital features such as infinite scrolling and auto-play videos. He stated, “Big tech profits from keeping users glued to their platforms, including our children, and that’s simply unacceptable.” His commitment to include these factors in the forthcoming Digital Fairness Act was clear as he recognized the far-reaching impacts these practices can create during a child’s formative years.
Luke Ming Flanagan, an Ireland West MEP, challenged McGrath on the government’s shortcomings regarding market surveillance in construction products, especially after recent infringement proceedings from the European Commission. McGrath responded that necessary reforms are being enacted, highlighting the 2022 Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act. He noted this legislation is pivotal for fostering a culture of compliance with building regulations, which will involve establishing a mandatory register and an independent regulatory authority.
Lastly, addressing consumer law complexities, McGrath empathized with EU citizens overwhelmed by verbose terms and conditions. “Many give up trying to assert their rights due to bureaucratic hurdles. We must ensure our consumer support mechanisms receive adequate resources from member states to function effectively,” he urged. His remarks shed light on the importance of transparency in consumer rights and the need for systematic reform to protect individuals throughout the EU.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
