A Conversation with EU Commissioner Michael McGrath on Defending Democracy

A Conversation with EU Commissioner Michael McGrath: How Canada can better Cooperate with Europe to Strengthen Information Integrity

As democracies around the world face mounting challenges from authoritarian states to their information integrity and civic trust, Canada and the EU share both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead by example.

Hosted by the Montreal Institute for Global Security (MIGS), this conversation with Michael McGrath, European Union Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, will explore how Europe’s Democracy Shield can serve as a model for transatlantic cooperation on information integrity. The discussion will highlight strategies to strengthen election integrity, support independent media, protect civic space, and build shared resilience against hybrid and digital threats.

This event aims to spark dialogue on how Canada and the EU can deepen their partnership to safeguard democracy from a rising resurgence of authoritarianism globally.

About Michael McGrath

Michael McGrath became EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection on 1 December 2024. He leads EU efforts to protect democracy and fundamental rights, uphold the rule of law, tackle disinformation, and strengthen consumer and data protection for over 450 million Europeans.

Previously, Mr. McGrath was Ireland’s Minister for Finance (2022–2024) and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (2020–2022), representing Ireland at the Eurogroup and Ecofin. He has held senior roles in both the public and private sectors.