— I think Trump is wrong about Ukraine and Russia, and he's also wrong about tariffs, says Michael O'Leary, who last spoke to the American president in 2016. He adds, however, that Trump rightly noted that European countries are not engaging enough in defense matters.
This isn't the first time O'Leary has harshly criticized Trump. This makes him an unusual figure in the business world that since Trump's return to the White House, he has remained rather reserved towards him.
O'Leary has also been emphasizing for years that Ryanair does not intend to launch transatlantic flights. The airline is also one of Boeing's largest customers, which shields it from potential political repercussions.
The EU's three greatest achievements. “We must start defending these freedoms”
The head of a low-cost airline has been sharply criticizing excessive bureaucracy for years, which in his opinion stifles EU companies. Today he says that in the face of the double threat from Trump and Russia Europe should abolish “stupid travel taxes” and regulationsto regain its competitiveness. — There is a war in Ukraine. Trump is in the White House. So, let's regulate bloody aviation again! – ironizes.
Political and economic changes make that happen The European Union should defend the common market — one of his greatest achievements, O'Leary argues. The businessman has often sharply criticized EU politicians, using strong language. — I am a great supporter of the common market in Europe. This is the greatest success of my generation, O'Leary said on Wednesday during a press conference in Brussels.
What do you think are the EU's three greatest achievements? — Cheap flights, the end of roaming charges and the Erasmus program that allowed young people to build bonds and brought Europe much closer. But we must start defending these freedoms, replies the head of Ryanair.
Brussels throws a businessman off balance. “Crazy, illegal proposal”
O'Leary also sharply criticizes actions aimed at raising taxes and tightening regulations. From Belgium, which proposes a higher aviation tax to support more sustainable transport, e.g. rail, to the European Parliament, which wants to increase passenger rights, among others. allowing them to take more baggage on board at no extra charge.
O'Leary calls the European Parliament project a “crazy, illegal proposal” and adds: – Parliament is the talk of fools, where all they do is invent new costs and regulations for European consumers and citizens.
Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, during a press conference. Brussels, 14 January 2025PAP/EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
He also criticizes the increase in aviation tax in Belgium. In response to this proposal, Ryanair announced that in 2026 it would reduce its offer at Brussels South Charleroi airport by one million. With the tax increase not withdrawn, O'Leary said on Wednesday he would reduce the number of seats in Belgium by another million in 2027 and reduce the number of planes at the Charleroi base from 19 to 15.
Instead of taxing passengers, O'Leary calls for the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to also cover long-haul flights outside the EU. Currently, the ETS only applies to intra-EU flights and does not cover higher-emission intercontinental routes.
— If you are really serious about environmental taxes in Belgium, impose the ETS on flights to the USA, on flights to Asia and on connections to the Persian Gulf countries, he said.
However, this is the solution could trigger a conflict with the USwhich warn against climate action affecting American companies. “It will never happen while Trump is in the White House,” O'Leary says.
