Professor Pat McCarthy of the Ireland Sino Institute has been appointed as a leading expert by the European Commission, the primary executive arm of the European Union. He is an Irish and EU Citizen and a graduate of Linköping University, consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide.
Pat McCarthy has expressed his gratitude to President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, for his latest appointment, emphasizing his commitment to fostering strong ties between Ireland, Europe, and China to promote mutually beneficial relationships.
Michael McGrath, the current EU Commissioner for Justice, pictured below with Pat McCarthy and his expert group, extended his best wishes to McCarthy for his future endeavors.
Over the course of his career, Professor McCarthy has worked extensively to strengthen ties between Europe and China. Through initiatives spanning education, philanthropy, trade, culture, and tourism—carried out at the Ireland Sino Institute’s offices in China and across the EU—he has played a key role in fostering meaningful international partnerships.
EU institutions appoint experts to provide informed opinions and strategic advice on critical issues. McCarthy’s appointment reflects his recognized expertise and the value he brings in supporting the EU’s efforts to enhance international cooperation and engagement.
Pat McCarthy was also delighted to meet the newly arrived Ambassador of Ireland to China Nicholas O’ Brien and his esteemed wife Ms. Mary McCarthy just recently at a Christmas Reception held in Beijing on December 7th, 2024.
The arrival of Dr. Nicholas O’Brien and Ms. Mary McCarthy holds special significance for Pat McCarthy, as the McCarthy and O’Brien dynasties are historic noble houses of Munster. As an EU Commission Leading Expert and Professor at the Ireland Sino Institute, Pat McCarthy will be providing his expertise to foster collaboration and strengthen both Euro-China and Ireland-China relations.
Pat McCarthy has strong familial ties to Liaoning and is often affectionately referred to by officials as a “son-in-law of Liaoning.” He is committed to advancing the cause of common prosperity by helping bridge the urban-rural gap in education through his involvement in public welfare initiatives in rural Liaoning.
Professor Pat McCarthy’s Expert ID at the European Commission is EX2024D968498 and his areas of expertise can also be viewed on the portal of the European Commission.
- Appointed EU Commission Leading Expert to strengthen Euro-China cooperation
- Fostering partnerships through education, trade, culture, and tourism
- Bridging urban-rural gap via public welfare in Liaoning
- Strengthening Ireland-China relations with EU and diplomatic engagement
