LAST UPDATE | 17 Sep

FORMER FINANCE MINISTER Michael McGrath has been announced as the new EU Commissioner for Justice.

“I have entrusted him with the responsibility to take forward the European democracy,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

“He will also lead our work on the rule of law, anti corruption and consumer protection.”

She announced the new roles today after the decision was delayed due to formal processes that had yet to be done in Slovenia.

“The key message is that, wherever we come from, whatever our job title, we must all work together. We will have open debates. We are all independent in thought and action,” von der Leyen said.

While senior government sources have said they are happy with McGrath getting the justice portfolio, it is believed the government was eager for the former minister to be placed in finance-related portfolio such as economy, trade and competition.

However, von der Leyen said that about 20 countries had asked for strong economic portfolios.

Speaking today from the National Ploughing Championship in Co Laois, Taoiseach Simon Harris congratulated McGrath on his new role and said he spoke to both McGrath and von der Leyen last night. 

Harris said the justice portfolio is a “substantial European role by any yardstick” and described it as a “vote of confidence” in McGrath from von der Leyen.

“He hasn’t just received a justice portfolio, he’s also received responsibility around democracy and the rule of law,” said Harris.

The Taoiseach added that the justice portfolio is also “very much welcome” given that it has expanded to include responsibility for consumer protection.

“He’s a very able and competent individual, and I’m proud that he is now our Commissioner designate,” said Harris.

In today’s reshuffle, Latvia’s Valdis Dombrovskis got the role of Economy and Productivity Commissioner. This is alongside a new portfolio of Implementation and Simplification.

Meanwhile, Portugal’s Maria Luís Albuquerque will take on the Financial Services portfolio.

Von der Leyen was encouraging member countries to put forward more women to make up the bloc’s executive arm, but most – including Ireland – ignored her request for a choice between one man and one woman candidate.

Across generations.
From all backgrounds.
With different experiences.

But all with one common goal: to make Europe stronger.

The structure of von der Leyen II Commission. pic.twitter.com/wBgIwIXc84

— European Commission (@EU_Commission) September 17, 2024

In a statement, McGrath said he was honoured to have been proposed for the role and called it a “vitally important one for Europe”.

“I look forward to engaging with the European Parliament ahead of the hearings for the new Commission in the weeks ahead.

“The portfolio is a vitally important one for Europe: protecting our democratic values, rule of law and the rights of our citizens is fundamental to the future development of the EU and of the single market.

“It is the first time that Ireland will hold this portfolio and is a recognition of our standing as a country with a strong democratic and open society,” he said.

“In addition to the core Justice elements of my portfolio, I am very pleased to be given responsibility for the protection of consumer rights across the EU.

“I welcome this opportunity to apply my skills to new areas of responsibility and I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by the Government and by President von der Leyen.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin also congratulated McGrath on his appointment, saying he has no doubt he will serve “with great energy and diligence in this significant role”, which involved protecting the rights of consumers, the rule of law and tackling corruption.

There is still a long road ahead before the new commissioners can begin their work on new laws and enforcing regulation. The nominated politicians will have to survive two votes of confidence and a grilling by MEPs before they can get to work.

Shock resignation

France’s Thierry Breton yesterday announced that he is quitting the European Commission, claiming EU chief Ursula von der Leyen had asked Paris to withdraw his candidacy for the incoming executive.

Today, France’s Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Séjourné was given the portfolio of Prosperity and Industrial Strategy as an Executive Vice-President of the Commission.

French President Emmanuel Macron had put forward Breton’s name, and his reappointment to a major role had been taken as a given.

“In the very final stretch of negotiations on the composition of the future College, you asked France to withdraw my name,” the internal market commissioner wrote in a letter to von der Leyen, posted on X.

“I am therefore resigning from my position as European Commissioner, effective immediately.”

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my colleagues in the College, Commission services, MEPs, Member States, and my team.

Together, we have worked tirelessly to advance an ambitious EU agenda.

It has been an honour & privilege to serve the common European interest🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/wQ4eeHUnYu

— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) September 16, 2024

“Over the past five years, I have relentlessly striven to uphold and advance the common European good, above national and party interest. It has been an honour,” he said.

“However, in light of these latest developments – further testimony to questionable governance – I have to conclude that I can no longer exercise my duties in the College.”

The 69-year-old was seen by Paris as a key counterweight to Berlin’s influence at the heart of the EU.

Asked about Breton’s resignation today, Taoiseach Simon Harris described him as a “friend to Ireland and a friend to many during the Covid vaccine rollout”.

However, he added that “internal matters in relation to who France nominates to the Commission is a matter for them”.

With reporting from AFP.