Michael McGrath, Ireland’s nominee for the European Commission’s Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, is set for a rigorous three-hour hearing at the European Parliament. Tasked with overseeing matters such as Hungary’s rule of law compliance and safeguarding EU elections from foreign interference, McGrath’s suitability for this politically challenging role will be scrutinized by MEPs from three committees. Despite previous hopes for an economic portfolio, he has prepared intensely for this pivotal moment, recognizing the significance of democracy and rule of law shaped by Ireland’s longstanding democratic values.