Ireland’s EU presidency presents opportunity to champion rule of law
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Sean McHale
As Ireland assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union, Sean McHale, deputy executive director and director of programmes at Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI), has argued that Ireland takes on the presidency at a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty, ongoing armed conflict and growing challenges to democratic institutions, making the rule of law more important than ever in safeguarding democratic accountability, human rights and public trust.
He said: “At moments of political uncertainty, the rule of law becomes more than an abstract constitutional principle.
“It is the framework through which democratic accountability, judicial independence, human rights protections and public trust are sustained.”
Mr McHale highlighted recent polling by European Movement Ireland showing that, while support for EU membership remains strong across the island of Ireland, confidence in institutions and perceptions of the European Union’s core values are under increasing pressure.
Mr McHale argued that Ireland’s presidency presents an opportunity not only to act as a consensus-builder within the European Union, but also to demonstrate principled leadership grounded in the rule of law, democratic resilience and international cooperation.
He reflected on Ireland’s wider international contribution through Irish Rule of Law International, an initiative of the Law Societies and Bars of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and justice-sector professionals across the island of Ireland, IRLI works alongside judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and justice institutions to strengthen legal systems and improve access to justice through cross-jurisdictional peer-to-peer partnerships.
Its current programmes include justice initiatives in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia, where legal expertise across the island of Ireland has supported judicial training, strengthened court practice, and expanded access to justice. IRLI has also facilitated judicial exchanges with counterparts from Ukraine involving institutions in Dublin and Belfast, drawing on Irish expertise in areas including accountability and atrocity crimes.
“As Ireland begins its presidency of the Council of the European Union,” Mr McHale concluded, “organisations such as IRLI demonstrate that Ireland possesses not only a strong commitment to European values, but also practical expertise capable of supporting them through meaningful international partnerships.”
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