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McGrath ‘ready to act’ on EU rule of law

Ireland’s EU commissioner-designate Michael McGrath has told MEPs that the promotion of the rule of law across the EU would be “an absolute priority” for him. 

The former finance minister, who has been allocated the justice portfolio, was speaking at a confirmation hearing in the European Parliament.  

McGrath told the MEPs that compliance with the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights should be factored into member states’ access to the “many benefits” that flowed from EU membership. 

He said that he stood “ready to act” where breaches of the rule of law occurred. 

“Citizens must see that the rule of law is upheld across the EU; they look towards the EU to ensure that this is the case in all member states,” he stated. 

EU funds link 

The commissioner-designate told the hearing that he would develop a closer link between the recommendations in the EU’s annual rule-of-law report and financial support. 

 “Respect for EU law is a must for EU funds,” he added. 

McGrath also pledged to propose what he said would be the EU’s first comprehensive strategy against corruption.  

Election candidates 

He also told MEPs that the EU needed to improve its expertise, preparedness, and capacity to counter foreign manipulation, interference, and misinformation in elections. 

“In the face of mounting threats to their security, we need to protect election candidates from undue pressure, particularly women,” McGrath added. 

He also outlined plans for a new victims’ rights strategy and a new consumer agenda, acknowledging concerns expressed by MEPs about unsafe products sold through e-commerce platforms. 

Protecting minors 

McGrath told the hearing that the protection of minors from harmful content and practices – including when playing online games – would be a priority. 

Questioned about his plans to protect minors online, he committed to fighting harmful practices facing EU consumers, such as addictive design and dynamic pricing. 

The election of the full college of commissioners is due to take place in the European Parliament at the end of this month.