Michael McGrath to become EU’s next guardian of the Rule of Law

The Renew Europe group welcomes the European Parliament’s approval of Michael McGrath (Fianna Fáil, Ireland) as Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, a crucial role within the European Commission, responsible for overseeing and promoting democracy and the institutions that sustain it, across the EU.

During this morning's hearing, Commissioner-designate McGrath clearly demonstrated his commitment to upholding and strengthening the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights, ensuring free elections and protecting media freedom and journalists. These are all values that are at the heart of our Group's DNA.

In setting out his vision for the next five years, McGrath made clear that his priority will be to make tangible progress in tackling the Union's rule of law problems, combating organised crime, expanding the powers of EPPO and countering foreign interference and disinformation, which are long-standing demands from Renew Europe. Our members have great confidence in his ability to act as a guardian of our common European values and the EU Treaties, and we congratulate him on his new role.

Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Progresívne Slovensko, Slovakia), Member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), said:

“There is no democracy without media freedom, and Commissioner-designate McGrath showed at the hearing today that we can count on him to enhance the protection of journalists and create a vibrant climate for media pluralism. The full implementation of the European Media Freedom Act and the Anti-SLAPP Directive must take place under this new Commission, and we trust his commitment to do so.”

Svenja Hahn (Freie Demokratische Partei, Germany), Member of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), added:

“I am thrilled that McGrath expressed his willingness to foster the EU’s competitiveness. In times when Europe is lagging behind its global rivals, we must ensure our laws are not in the way of a thriving business environment, but instead help our companies reach their full potential. I believe that with McGrath at the College of the Commissioners, the EU can create better conditions for innovation and unlock benefits for consumers and businesses alike.”

Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Movement for Rights and Freedom, Bulgaria), Chair of the Committee of Legal Affairs, emphasised:

“Today, McGrath showed that we are playing for the same team, by committing to closer link the annual rule of law report recommendations with the allocation of financial support under the EU budget. Renew Europe have been Parliament’s loudest voice to make this reality. His dedication to introduce the first-ever comprehensive EU strategy against Corruption and create a Democracy Shield are extremely crucial stepping stones in building our democracies stronger.”